CONCERT

Carnegie Hall
Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra

Wagner - Prelude to Act III and Good Friday Spell from Parsifal
Bruckner - Symphony No. 9

"Parsifal, Wagner’s final opera, is a majestic work that reaches heavenly heights in its spiritually transcendent third act. Wagner was Bruckner’s idol, and the sweeping breadth and tonal language of the older composer inspired much of his music. At the time of his death, Bruckner had only completed three movements of his Ninth Symphony, but what he left is compelling and deeply touching. His symphony ascends from a musical primordial haze to a finale that explores new harmonies and peace in its quiet closing benediction.

This evening, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra presents two works of the late 19th century that are underpinned by profound spiritual themes. There is also a strong connection between their composers, Richard Wagner and Anton Bruckner. Although a symphonist and not an opera composer, Bruckner nevertheless worshipped Wagner and was deeply inspired by his music dramas. Wagner, in response, honored Bruckner’s then-controversial symphonies.

Both Wagner’s Parsifal and Bruckner’s Ninth Symphony are the composers’ last works. Wagner was lucky enough to be able to complete his opera, but Bruckner died before he could give his Ninth its fourth and final movement. Thus, the Ninth concludes with its magnificent Adagio, which makes for an extraordinarily effective ultimate statement.

Although Wagner was not a believing Christian, he filled Parsifal with religious themes and symbols, both Christian and Buddhist. A fervently devout Catholic, Bruckner made all his symphonies—and especially his Ninth—epic spiritual journeys toward union with God."