The art of freedom
WHAT a start to the new season. Gavin Plumley, the wellknown broadcaster, gave an outstanding talk on Klimt and Mahler to more than 100 members of The Arts Society Wokingham last Monday.
He set the scene. Vienna at the end of the 19th century was the centre of the Hapsburg Empire.
The conservative Emperor Franz Joseph was at the height of his power and commissioned the construction of the great Ringstrasse with its collection of neo-classical buildings. This display of traditional opulence provoked a reaction from a group of young architects, painters and designers led by Gustav Klimt.
Funded by a wealthy industrialist, Karl Wittgenstein, these Secessionists built an Art Nouveau exhibition centre in the heart of the city, where they could display their own work. “To every age its art, to every art its freedom” was carved above the door.
Meanwhile Gustav Mahler was appointed musical director of the Vienna Court Opera. Gavin played his audience the opening of Mahler’s 1st Symphony to illustrate the composer’s modern style of composition. The majority of the audience at its Viennese premiere were appalled, and a fight ensued between these traditionalists and a group of more avant-garde students.
Both Klimt and Mahler sought respite from the stifling atmosphere of Vienna on the shores of Lake Attersee. Here Mahler shut himself off to write his 2nd and 3rd symphonies in a small hut specially built for him on the lakeside. Klimt, in contrast, was inspired by the natural beauty of the area and began painting landscapes after the style of French postImpressionists such as Seurat.
Despite their different personalities and approaches to life the two Gustavs were brought together by their admiration for Beethoven. Inspired by Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, Klimt painted a frieze for the Secession’s Beethoven Exhibition in 1902. The Exhibition opened to the strains of an arrangement by Mahler of a theme from the closing chorus of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony.
Gavin’s knowledge and enthusiasm for his subject coupled with his lovely turn of phrase made this an evening to remember.
The Society will be returning to live lectures at Newbold Church on Monday, October 18.
Guests are most welcome. Julian Richards will explore why and how Stonehenge has been an inspiration to painters, potters and poets throughout the ages. Email memsectheartsSocietywham@gmail.com for more details.
Better still, why not become a member and have access to these monthly illustrated lectures?
Future talks cover a wide range of topics, such as Peggy Guggenheim and the birth of mid-century Modernism, the revival of 15th century Timurid carpet designs, the Imperial Easter Eggs of Carl Fabergé, and the sculptures of Antony Gormley.
For full details of this season’s programme, visit www.TheArtsSocietyWokingham.org.uk