“UNFINISHED”
Bruckner AND Schubert CONCERT
2026.05.23（SAT）19 : 30
Jinji Lake Concert Hall SCAC
Conductor Samy Rachid
Bruckner
Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, WAB 109
Schubert
Symphonies No. 8 “Unfinished”
NOTICE TO AUDIENCE
1. DURATION Approximately 100 minutes with a 15-min intermission.
2. SUGGESTED AGE 8 and above.
3. Minimum height for children :1.3m.
Tonight’s concert will introduce us into two monumental symphonies that are known as “Unfinished” throughout history: Bruckner’s majestic and sorrowful Symphony No. 9 in D Minor and Schubert’s beautiful yet internally agitated Symphony No. 8. Though separated by half a century, both pieces are in the key of D minor. Together, they express the soul touching resonances and longings of the Romantic era, inviting listeners to engage in an endless contemplation. The program opens with Bruckner’s Symphony No. 9 in D Minor. Bruckner devoted the last ten years of his life to writing this “swan song”, which he sincerely dedicated to his “beloved God”. Bruckner’s lifelong musical mastery here comes together: from the mysterious start, which is sketched by horns and string tremolos, to the thundering, organ-like orchestration; from the wide, soul-stirring melodies to the overwhelming brass playing, together, they create a final testament that is incredibly emotional. The music’s profound spirituality and final searching of the unknown beyond are further infused by the late Romantic movement’s complicated, tense chromatic harmonies. This is not merely a symphony; it is a grand and sorrowful “musical prayer” composed with faith. Following the intermission, we will hear Schubert’s Symphony No. 8 “Unfinished”. This masterpiece, left with only two movements, captivates with its incredible emotional depth and poetic beauty, making it one of the most compelling yet heartrending “fragments” of Western music. It surpasses the traditional structures of classical symphonies, giving priority to feelings of deep grief and tender warmth over purely structural reasoning. The second movement’s melody is warm and song like glowing with human warmth, while the first movement’s slightly bittersweet, tearful second theme hits right at the heart. Schubert explores inner grief and the purpose of life in this unfinished piece. It is one of the most touching Romantic symphonic poetries because of its spiritual depth and pure beauty.
