Gustav Mahler - Symphony No. 1 in D major "Titan" 1/2

Symphony No. 1 in D major "Titan", first movement: Langsam, Schleppend - "Wie ein Naturlaut" - Immer sehr gemächlich; second movement: Kräftig bewegt, doch nicht zu schnell, Recht gemächlich. Author: Gustav Mahler (1860 - 1911).

Mahler's 1st Symphony was mainly composed between late 1887 and March 1888, though it incorporates music Mahler had composed for previous works. The first movement is in modified sonata form, with a substantially slow introduction. The introduction begins eerily with a seven-octave drone in the strings on A, with the upper octaves being played on harmonics in the violins. A descending two-note motif is then presented by the woodwinds; this opening, in its minimalist nature and repeated descending motif, alludes to the first movement of Beethoven's 9th Symphony. This theme is then interrupted by a fanfare-like material first presented in the clarinets, and later by offstage trumpets, indicated in the score as "In sehr weiter Entfernung aufgestellt". A slow melody is also played by the horns, and the descending two-note motif is sped up in the clarinet, imitating the sound of a cuckoo. This opening is very true to Mahler's style, putting the emphasis on the winds, and not more traditionally on the strings.
The mood then lightens to mark the beginning of the exposition, and the descending fourth motif becomes the beginning of the main theme. This melodic material is recycled from Mahler's "Ging heut' Morgen übers Feld". The melody is first presented in the cellos, and passed throughout the orchestra. This melody builds in dynamic, and is eventually played by the entire brass section. A development ensues, bringing back material from the introduction, including the drone on A, the cuckoo calls in the clarinet, and the original motif. The recapitulation is marked by a new French horn fanfare, and the energy is gradually built up as before. Ultimately, the two-note motive takes over the final measures, bringing the movement to a fiery and humorous close.
The second movement is a modified minuet and trio. Mahler replaces the minuet with a Ländler, a precursor to the Austrian waltz. One main theme repeats throughout the Ländler, and it gathers energy towards a hectic finish. The main melody outlines an A major chord. The trio contains contrasting lyrical material; however, as it comes to a close, Mahler alludes again to the Ländler by interjecting brief rising material from the first section. Finally, the Ländler makes a formal return, shortened and orchestrated more heavily to close the movement.

Conductor: Mariss Jansons & Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.

Видео Gustav Mahler - Symphony No. 1 in D major "Titan" 1/2 канала neuIlaryRheinKlange