Reviews

When one returns to listen to the Second Symphony (“Resurrection”) of Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) in an interpretation as brilliant as that conducted by Stefan Lano this past Saturday, 22 November in the National Theater, the inevitable result is to recall the author’s emulation of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, composed some seventy years earlier.

...The version presented by the National Symphony SODRE with Uruguayan soprano Sandra Silvera, Argentine mezzosoprano Eugenia Fuente and the Chorus of the SODRE, all under the direction of Stefan Lano, will remain in the memories of all in attendance as an excellent culmination of the symphonic season. One noted the impeccable work of Lano in all sections of the orchestra. Woodwinds, strings, brass and percussion brought forth a quality of sound such as we have seldom heard. We know that Lano avoids excessive bending of phrases and that the clarity of his conducting controls any circumstantial alterations of pulse. What is evident is that Lano is very comfortable with Mahler, a fact which is understandable if we take into account that the nucleus of his musical formation brought him for many years to Berlin, Graz and Vienna.

We do not know if this was his farewell concert in Montevideo, as there remains a question mark whether he will renew his contract. The visible empathy between Lano and his musicians, the quality of his work and the unusually long ovation from the public could be very good omens that the best decision will be made.