In 2014, Aurora Orchestra did something unprecedented at the Proms: performing Mozart's 40th Symphony from memory. It was terrifying, but successful. Now, 12 years later, they are taking on Mahler's First Symphony, a piece nearly twice as long with double the musicians. The first half of the concert will feature a new play about Mahler, written by artistic director and flautist Jane Mitchell, incorporating choreography for the entire orchestra, two actors, and complex sound design.
From Mozart to Mahler
After the Mozart success, memory performances became a regular Proms feature. Three years ago, they tackled Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring, dedicating the entire concert to a single piece. The first half became a 40-minute presentation combining text, musical analysis, orchestral excerpts, choreography, and video projection. This format has continued with Beethoven's Ninth and Shostakovich's Fifth.
Mitchell describes the creative process: reading about the composer and historical context, then working with conductor Nicholas Collon and co-director James Bonas to untangle the score. For Mahler, she researched his life and was fascinated to learn that he met Sigmund Freud in 1910, discussing why he felt compelled to write certain music and why audiences couldn't understand him.
The Mahler-Freud Connection
Mahler's First Symphony premiered in Budapest in 1889, leaving audiences baffled. Reviewers called it "offensively trivial" and "a disaster." Mahler felt misunderstood, saying, "For goodness sake, where do people put their ears and their hearts if they can't understand this music?" Mitchell's script follows Mahler's journey from conceiving the symphony to premiering it, using the meeting with Freud as a framework.
The play features actors Jack Bardoe and Sarah Twomey, singer Natalie Lewis, and requires the orchestra to remember confusing versions of symphony excerpts and choreographed moves. Rehearsals involve a military-style plan called "flat-packing." Mitchell admits to wondering if they've pushed too far.
Why Bother?
Mitchell cites two reasons. First, as a flautist sitting in the middle of the orchestra, she experiences an immersive aural experience she wants to share with audiences. Second, despite years of music study, she believes context enhances listening. The plays aim to "give the keys to the kingdom," helping audiences feel closer to the music.
Mahler's First By Heart is at the BBC Proms on 1 and 2 August at the Royal Albert Hall, broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 and available on BBC Sounds until 12 October.
