For Mehta and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, this was a veritable, highly demanding tour de force which they managed with flying colors.
By URY EPPSTEINMusic good 88(photo credit: )IPO
Mahler: Symphony No. 3
Conducted by
Zubin Mehta
Jerusalem
ICC
July 8
Mahler's Third Symphony, performed by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (conducted by Zubin Mehta), is a monumental edifice of sound in which all imaginable and unimaginable orchestral and vocal phenomena happen.
Solemn, majestic brass and percussion instruments alternate with delicate flute passages, and tempestuous turbulence is contrasted with merry, almost frivolous ditties. Attempting to mirror nature or life, where the most fateful occurrences happen unexpectedly and with elemental force, this symphony abounds in extreme contrasts, intense calm following stormy excitement, creating a hypnotizing effect.
An enchanting opposition to the overwhelming orchestra was the vocal solo, rendered by Marjana Lipovsek's appealing and cultured mezzo-soprano. Subtle choral charm was contributed by the New Israeli Vocal Ensemble and the Ankor Children's Choir.
For Mehta and the IPO, this was a veritable, highly demanding tour de force which they managed with flying colors.
