fractal {L_WROTE}:
Gisela -- you should come see either Mahler 1 or Mahler 5 (Jan 7 or so). I think Symphony 9 is more difficult, I think, although it is sublime for those who have come to love Mahler's works.
The 5th, of course, is home to the world-famous Adagio slow-movement for strings only, one of the most beautiful and accessible pieces of music in all of the repertoire (in my humble opinion). I'll be inviting my family to come to HK to see that one.
Symphony 1 is, as well, considered very accessible, although I think it could be slow for those who don't already treasure Mahler's music. All depends on what you like; I think the slow opening is fantastic, ethereal but earthly at the same time. I could talk about the technical merits of his scoring, use of texture, perfect understanding of all the instruments, but that is only secondary to the music. (A composer's music, like an instrumentalist's performance, should of course be so good that the audience entirely forgets about technique)
At which beach does the drumming go on? That would be fun to take part in.
It's great to see some classical music lovers on the forums. I would love to be part of a classical culture on Lamma, and even collaborate to bring in some chamber music and such. I'm a big fan of outdoor, relaxed, festival-style performances.
I have Mahler 1 (Abbado conducting) at home, will definitely try get myself to listen more of that, althogh more often tempted by my other CDs...have to say I am into strings esp Cello (sorry....), it will be good if you can get Mr, Richard Bamping to move to Lamma as well....it would be lovely to have some chamber music here. Drumming is usually Sunday by the Power Station Beach (Tai Wan To).
If you are on facebook, you're welcomed to join the classical music group which I started off:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7484278532
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