Hamburg: an almost mystical experience

June 30, 2025 |

A rare phenomenon occurred at the OM concert in Hamburg on June 27. As the day before in Vienna, the end of Tchaikovsky’s “Pathétique” Symphony was followed by a long silence. A solemn moment, almost a prayer. A perfect communion between the audience, the musicians and Yannick Nézet-Séguin.

For a long time after the music fell silent, even after the conductor’s arms were lowered, the moment remained suspended. As if everyone wanted to prolong the state of grace into which the music had plunged them. As if applauding would break the spell, ringing in the return to reality.

This spirit of elevation pervaded the entire symphony, for the interpretation given by Yannick Nézet-Séguin and the OM runs counter to the tragic myth that surrounds it. For a long time, the “Pathétique” has been associated with a farewell letter, due to the mysterious circumstances surrounding the composer’s death and the theory of suicide often evoked.

But under Yannick’s baton and in the hands of OM, the music tells a different story: a fierce will to live. There’s an urgency to savor every moment, to not let all this beauty fade away too quickly. In the first movement, the fury seems directed not towards resignation, but against fatality, illness or lurking death. The waltz of the second movement, on the other hand, expresses the light of precious memories, the beauty of everyday life, the deep bonds with loved ones.

The musicians themselves embodied this intensity right down to their bodies: sitting on the edge of their chairs, they gave everything they had, despite the exhaustion of a demanding tour – four concerts, in as many days, in four different countries.

Their remarkable effort was greeted by a long, warm and emotional ovation. On their feet, the Hamburg audience gave them a response equal to their spirited performance. It was a moment that everyone will remember – rare, suspended, almost mystical.