The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s season finale, conducted by Peter Oundjian, featured Dmitri Shostakovich’s Concerto No. 1 and Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 7, showcasing contrasting styles. The concert opened with Shostakovich’s playful and sardonic piece, where pianist Inon Barnatan exhibited virtuosic flair, complemented by trumpeter Michael Tiscione. Their energetic interaction and the orchestra’s taut accompaniment highlighted the work’s witty character. Following intermission, Mahler’s expansive symphony delivered a dramatic journey, with Oundjian expertly navigating its intricate textures and thematic depths. The performance balanced spectacle with introspection, capturing the Seventh Symphony’s paradoxes of profundity and playfulness. Though often overlooked, Mahler’s Seventh proved both vital and impactful, resonating with audiences in a memorable season conclusion. This concert exemplified how large-scale works can combine theatricality and musical substance effectively, reinforcing the importance of Mahler’s complex repertoire. The ASO repeated the program on June 7, further engaging Atlanta’s classical music community.
Atlanta Symphony Closes Season with Shostakovich’s Wit and Mahler’s Grand Symphony
