
Discover Mahler’s Symphony No.5
February 10 / 7:30 pm
Revel in the spellbinding melodies of Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 as the South Bend Symphony Orchestra presents the third Jack M. Champaigne Masterworks Concert, “Discover Mahler’s Symphony No. 5,” featuring the award-winning composer Michael Schelle, winner of the 2022-23 season Crossroads of America competition. Program Michael Schelle - The Fifth Horseman of the Apocalypse Mahler - Symphony No. 5, details and excerpts - Intermission - Mahler - Symphony No. 5 Part I. Trauermarsch Stürmisch bewegt, mit größter Vehemenz Part II. Stürmisch bewegt, mit größter Vehemenz Part III. Adagietto, sehr langsam Rondo – Finale: Allegro Pre-Concert Talk Your concert ticket includes the pre-concert talk at 6:30 p.m. Come early to learn more about the music with Music Director Alastair Willis. Program Notes The Fifth Horseman of the Apocalypse Michael Schelle Born January 22, 1950, Philadelphia, PA Composed: 2022 Premiered: South Bend, Indiana Michael Schelle’s The Fifth Horseman of the Apocalypse is inspired and rooted in historical and mythological significances of local legend and Biblical prophecy. The composition premieres precisely a century after the legendary 1924 Notre Dame football season under the helm of the incomparable coach Knute Rockne. During this momentous year, the renowned backfield players were christened the “Four Horsemen of Notre Dame.” Inspired by the Bible’s books of Ezekiel and Revelation and the apocalyptic imagery it holds, this musical composition pays homage to the concept of the Four Horsemen. Embedded in this composition’s fabric is a profound reflection of the human condition, encapsulated by the quote, “The fifth horseman is us,” attributed to Charles Sutherland Elton (1900-1991), an eminent English zoologist and animal ecologist. The composition bursts with dynamic energy and vigor, incorporating evocative allusions to five iconic No. 5 Symphonies: Mahler 5, Tchaikovsky 5, Shostakovich 5, Bruckner 5, and Sibelius 5. Notably, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 is intentionally excluded from these references, adding a distinctive touch to the composition. -– Michael Schelle Symphony ...