Kindertotenlieder – Introduction

Listening Guide   The Work 5 Songs on Poems by Friedrich Rückert Dates of composition: The first, third and fourth songs were written during the summer of 1901; the second and fifth were added in June, 1904. Pub. (C.F. Kahnt 1905).Place of composition: MaierniggType of composition: 5 Songs in versions with piano and orchestral accompaniment. A chamber orchestra… Continue reading Kindertotenlieder – Introduction

Symphony No.4 in G Major – Fourth Movement

Listening Guide   The Work Tempo: Sehr Behaglich (Very Relaxed).Key: G major (ending in E major).Time Signature: 4/4Form: strophic in 4 verses with a prelude and postlude.Text: Das Himmlische Leben from Des Knaben Wunderhorn (1892) Wir genießen die himmlischen Freuden,D’rum tun wir das Irdische meiden.Kein weltlich’ GetümmelHört man nicht im Himmel!Lebt alles in sanftester Ruh’.Wir… Continue reading Symphony No.4 in G Major – Fourth Movement

Symphony No.4 in G Major – Introduction

Listening Guide   The Work Date(s) of Composition: 1899-1900; published by Universal (1901, rev. 1903, 1910)Place of Composition: Maiernigg and ViennaPremiere: 25 November 1901, Munich Orchestration: 4 flutes (3rd and 4th doubling with piccolo), 3 oboes, (3rd doubling with English Horn); 3 clarinets in Bb, A and C (2nd doubling with E-flat clarinet, 3rd with… Continue reading Symphony No.4 in G Major – Introduction

Symphony No. 3 in D Minor – Sixth Movement

Listening Guide   The Work Tempo: Langsam, ruhevoll, empfunden. (Slow, restful, deeply felt).Key: D major (modulating to F-sharp minor, C sharp minor, etc.)Time Signature: 4/4.Form: Elements of rondo and sonata form with variations on two principal themes.

Symphony No. 3 in D Minor – Fifth Movement

Listening Guide   The Work Tempo: Lustig in Tempo und keck in Ausdruck (In a merry tempo and bold expression).Key: F major (D minor in the middle section)Time Signature: 4/4Rhythm: lively march.Form: strophic (ABCA)Orchestration: alto solo, women’s and children’s choruses, 4 flutes, 3 horns, 5 clarinets (including bass clarinet), 3 bassoons, glockenspiel, 2 harps, strings… Continue reading Symphony No. 3 in D Minor – Fifth Movement

Symphony No. 3 in D Minor – Fourth Movement

Listening Guide   The Work Tempo: Sehr langsam. Misterioso.Key: D major/minorTime Signature: 2/2, changing to 3/3 (with one measure of 3/4)Form: through-composed song form (Introduction-ABAB)Text: The Midnight Song from Also Sprach Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche (sung by alto voice) O Mensch! O Mensch!Gib Acht! Gib Acht!Wie spricht die tiefe Mitternacht?Ich schief! Ich schief!Aus tiefem Traum… Continue reading Symphony No. 3 in D Minor – Fourth Movement

Symphony No. 3 in D Minor – Third Movement

Listening Guide   The Work Tempo: Comodo. Scherzando. Ohne Hast. (Without Haste).Key: C minor/major (Trio in F major/minor)Time Signature: 2/4 alternating with 6/8 (6/8 in Trio)Rhythm: binary dance form (bourrée) as in Ablösung im SommerForm: Rondo (ABACABCA)