Mahler's Symphonies

A symphony is the most complex, detailed, and structured of all musical compositions. It's the equivalent of a novel to a writer; and the equivalent of an epic poem to a poet. (although in the time of Virgil, Homer, Ovid, etc., etc., it didn't make a difference what you were: you were always referred to as a "poet.")

Mahler only wrote symphonies (the music from his songs, song cycles, and cantatas all made their way into his symphonies either as motifs and/or movements), long ones at that. One lasting almost 2 hours in length (His Symphony No. 3 is the longest symphony ever written), and a couple of others coming close.

Mahler was a disciple of Beethoven, Berlioz, Liszt, and above all: Wagner. And whatever you want to say: Franck, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, and Mahler came very close in emulating Beethoven's style in their symphonies; although most musicologist will strongly disagree in that they came close to Beethoven's greatness....

Mahler's First Symphony is in fact a remnant from his song cycle: "Songs of a Wayfarer." Coupled with excellent Jewish village style music.

Mahler's 2nd Symphony is a totally different animal! Mahler uses Klopstock's "Resurrection Hymn." It's said that the idea came to Mahler during Bulow's funeral. Mahler and Bulow were close friends; although Bulow had a very insupportable personality, they were good friends.

Mahler's 3rd Symphony is colossal. Mahler wanted to emulate Wagner; Wagner's Ring Cycle was the longest opera (musical drama) ever written. Mahler wanted to write the longest symphony, and succeeded with the third he did. Mahler had been raised a non-practicing Jew; Mahler adopted the Christian faith as an adult mainly to fit into society more. In those days, Jews weren't allowed to occupy many posts. Both Mahler's 2nd and Third symphonies are strongly rooted in the Christian faith.

Mahler's Fourth Symphony is his smallest and least complicated of all. And along the First, it is the only other symphony which Mahler wrote that lasts under an hour in length.

Mahler's Fifth Symphony was made famous when Visconti used the slow movement in his film version of Mann's novel: "A Death in Venice."

Mahler's Sixth Symphony has the famous 'three strike finale.' This is Mahler's darkest work, and represents Mahler at his worst and most superstitious.

Mahler's Seventh Symphony is his least performed symphony. It is the only symphony of his never to have really developed a cult following.

Mahler's Eight Symphony is the famous "Symphony of a Thousand," although Mahler gave it no such title.

"The Song of The Earth" is Mahler's cantata symphony.

Mahler's Ninth Symphony is his greatest work, and alongside with Stravinsky's 'Rite of Spring" and Shostakovich's "Eighth Symphony"; Mahler's Ninth is considered one of the greatest works of 20th Century musical literature.