ROMEO CASTELLUCCI /
ESA-PEKKA SALONEN /
GUSTAV MAHLER

Composed by Gustav Mahler between 1888 and 1894, the “Resurrection” Symphony No. 2 is literally a hallucinatory score, one which, like so many of his works, initially elicited incomprehension: “If what I just heard is music, then I no longer understand anything about music!” orchestra conductor Hans von Bülow told the composer. And yet, it was at von Bülow’s funeral, in listening to the funeral march, that Mahler found the inspiration to complete this monumental work. Faced with this score, which was designed to be listened to with one’s eyes closed – an unconventional object for the world of theatre –, Romeo Castellucci has opted for an implacable humility. The chilling, dynamic installation he has designed emblazons itself on our retinas and memory. Miraculously, it makes Gustav Mahler’s imponderable magic all the more audible. In tune with Esa- Pekka Salonen, who seems to feel this music right down to the tip of his baton, the director delivers a moving earth song that incites us to live on in the face of death.

Some scenes may be disturbing to younger audiences and unprepared individuals.
The stage design of the show does not allow for complete visibility for individuals in wheelchairs.