Description
Symphony No. 1 in D major by Gustav Mahler was mainly composed in 1887-88. Initially Mahler described it as a symphonic poem but over 15 years Mahler revised the work numerous times before settling on its final form as a four movement symphony. The symphony is still sometimes called the ‘Titan’, although that name was ultimately discarded by Mahler.
Just like Beethoven before him, Mahler had spread wide the boundaries of the symphonic genre. Mahler wrote, “My First Symphony will be something of which the world has never heard the like before.” Audiences and critics found the work difficult and it was not well received at first – which may go some way to explaining Mahler’s substantial alterations. But not only was this was a hugely ambitious and monumental undertaking, it was also his first large-scale, purely orchestral work. Little wonder it took some time.
The second ‘scherzo‘ movement (arranged here for wind quintet) is essentially a modified minuet and and trio. Mahler’s minuet is based on a ländler – a traditional Austrian waltz which went on to feature in much of his music. The minuet is followed by a wistful and lyrical trio section before the ländler energetically resumes leading to the movement’s exhilarating ending.
