A ton of chimes to resonate for Mahler’s ‘Resurrection’

chimes.

After the set was purchased, Mr. Reamer traveled to Tower Presbyterian Church in Grove City where he heard and saw another magnificent set.

“I just wanted to see some in action,” he said.

Like Deagan’s discovery, Mahler’s five-movement symphony can be characterized as a musical breakthrough. It distinguished him as a composer and is one of the first symphonies to use voices and words that express one’s quest for the meaning of life.

Other orchestras have used church bells in past performances of “Resurrection.” However, the Deagan tower chimes will provide symphony aficionados with a new, never-before-heard sound in Heinz Hall.

“The massive weight translates into a much bigger, more resonant sound with greater depth and character,” Mr. Reamer said.

He believes that the PSO may be the first orchestra to use these tubular church bells for “Resurrection.”

“It’s been part of my career to always be searching for new sounds and new instruments and acquisitions,” Mr. Reamer said. “This is probably the most significant one in my 28-year tenure with the PittsburghSymphony.”

Saturday night’s performance will honor Albert Filoni — an architect who helped transform Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. He died Oct. 15, 2016.

“Albert Filoni, principal with MCF Architects & Planners, was Heinz Hall’s architect since 1981,” said Carl Mancuso, vice president and general manager of Heinz Hall management.

Mr. Filoni loved the Pittsburgh Symphony, as well as Manfred Honeck, the musical director. Mr. Filoni never missed a Mahler, Wagner or Strauss performance, Mr. Mancuso said.

“We are proud to dedicate the [Saturday] concert to him.”