Mahler: Symphony No. 1 in D Major (revised version)

Description

Originally completed in 1888, the original version of this large work differed significantly from the revised and final version offered here. Initially in two parts with five movements, it was described at the premiere as a symphonic poem, though the composer seemed to think it more a symphony still.

Over the course of the next eight years, Mahler made numerous Major revisions, including removing the additional movement (Blumine), until he finally arrived at the definitive four-movement form we use today. Still commonly referred to as the "Titan", that label was only used by Mahler for the second and third performances and was never applied to the final version of the work.

Mahler incorporates German lied as his melodic material throughout this work, one of the innovations he brought to the symphonic form.

Instrumentation: 4(2nd-4th dPicc).4(3rd dEH).3(3rd dEb; 3rd dBCl)+Eb(dCl). 3(3rd dCBsn): 7.5.4.1: Timp(2).Perc(3-4): Hp: Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set) [additional hns needed to reinforce last mvmt].