Performance of Mahler Symphony No. 5 by Ham Shin-ik and Symphony Song

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] The second stage of the 'Masters Series' by Shin-ik Ham and Symphony SONG, titled 'Shin-ik Ham's Mahler,' will be held on April 26 at Lotte Concert Hall.

Shin-ik Ham and Symphony SONG plan to perform Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 5 on this stage. Symphony SONG is continuing a series highlighting 'The Great Beethoven and His Descendants' to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Beethoven's birth this year.

Mahler's symphonies are regarded as continuing the history of Beethoven's symphonies. Mahler left nine symphonies, just like Beethoven, who also completed nine symphonies, as he was unable to finish his 10th symphony.

Among Mahler's symphonies, No. 5 is considered a work that marks the beginning of Mahler's 'middle period' symphonies and simultaneously shows the maturation and completion of his compositional techniques. It consists of five movements, with the beautiful melody of the fourth movement, 'Adagietto,' being widely known to the public. The melody of the fourth movement has also been used in film music.

Between 1901 and 1902, when Mahler composed this work, his life was filled with both pain and joy. He experienced life-threatening moments due to a serious illness that made him contemplate death, but he also married his beloved Alma Schindler. Regarding this work, which contains explosive emotional highs and lows, Mahler himself mentioned the duality that 'we exist in death even in the midst of life.'

Symphony SONG is an orchestra founded by conductor Shin-ik Ham. 'SONG' stands for 'Symphony Orchestra for the Next Generation.'

Symphony SONG will present a total of eight 'Masters Series' concerts this year. Additionally, in March next year, they will embark on their first overseas performances since their founding, with invited concerts planned in Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium.