Mahler began composing his 5th symphony shortly after meeting the beautiful Alma Schindler, whom he married a few months later. It was to her that he dedicated the celebrated Adagietto, the 4th movement of the symphony, a gentle and sweeping gesture of love to his newfound muse.

Their romance was not devoid of turbulence, as perhaps foreshadowed by the tension and clamor in the symphony’s other movements. Yet, just as the essence and beauty of a rose matures over time, his devotion to her only deepened, as forever immortalized through his music.

UCBSO Presents Mahler and Ravel from UC Berkeley Symphony Orchestra on Vimeo.

[Full post, complete with behind-the-scenes from the photography process, coming soon.]

UCBSO Design Team: Irene Kim, Andy Cheon, Vicky Lin, Ben Taube