Program for Sunday, February 14, 2021

When composing the Second Symphony, Gustave Mahler famously posed the questions “What is this life—and this death? Is there for us, a continuation? Is all this only an empty dream, or does this life and this death have a meaning?” Many people have interpreted the symphony as a depiction of a conventional religious account of the afterlife. But as Jason Starr’s gorgeous film shows, while Mahler evokes the apocalyptic judgement day through his composition, he also offers the deeply uplifting all-pervading experiences of love that are part of everything we care about. Shot on location in Germany, Austria, Italy and the United States, the film includes historical reenactments and interviews.

Pre-register for this program at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYsdOysrjMpEtMseP1Cr3RJHcAJ9DLm9TXI

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Meeting platform will open at 9:30 for informal socializing. Program will begin promptly at 10:00.

Conductor and composer Gustav Mahler (1860 – 1911) acted as a bridge between the 19th century Austro-German tradition and the modernism of the early 20th century. This acclaimed performance is by a blended orchestra including the NY Philharmonic and Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Neeme Jarvi and recorded at Riverside Church in New York.

Jason Starr holds a B.M. in composition from Hartt School of Music and a M.M. from Manhattan School of Music.  He resides in New York City where, in 2006 he formed Cultural Media Collaborative, a not-for-profit corporation, to create performing arts films and interactive media.