EPTOn December 30 2010 10:50 phosphorylation wrote:
I've been meaning to get into Mahler symphs for a long time but it is bit intimidating. I already heard a bit of the 8 and is familiar with the "10" (song of the earth). Which ones do you recommened particularly?
Okay, but don't forget that in addition to Das Lied von der Erde, there was an actual tenth symphony (though unfinished).I've been meaning to get into Mahler symphs for a long time but it is bit intimidating. I already heard a bit of the 8 and is familiar with the "10" (song of the earth). Which ones do you recommened particularly?
Hearing a bit of a Mahler symphony doesn't really approach familiarity with it at all. Each of his works is a universe unto itself. The only difference between them is that as time went by, he became more and more skilled. Although the 8th symphony is long, it's very detailed and coherent despite an apparent classical structure. This makes it both available to any audience and easily replayed. I suggest setting aside a block of time to listen to it straight through. Here's a good recording:
Movement 1 (youtube part 1/3)
Movement 2 (youtube part 1/8)
You may also want to familiarize yourself with the text of the first movement and the basic story of Faust according to Goethe.
