Gustav Mahler's compositional output is a phenomenon in the world of music fro having come from the transition point between two past centuries and for having retained its unfading value and relevance in the 21st century. This composer, who is noted for his breadth of vision, was nurtured by past eopchs: his symphonies pursue the Beethovenian conflicting symphonic character. One can also feel the presence of the bardic contemplation that was inherent to Schubert, and find mofits personified à la Wagner, as well as the sense of space characteristic of Bruckner. All this is brought to a unique creative combination, a blend that turns out to be of a new stylistic quality in the music composed by Mahler, which influenced his contemporaries and the composers of succeeding generations.
Just as in some earlier symphonies, Mahler's interest in unusual timbesof the instruments is seen here: a tenor French horn, the cow bells, and solo episodes for mandolin and guitar are introduced into the orchestration of this symphony.
The symphony has 5 movements:
I Langsam - Allegro
II Nachtmusik (Allegro moderato)
III Scherzo
IV Nachtmusik (Andante amoroso)
V Rondo - Finale (Allegro ordinario - Allegro moderato ma energico)