Topmusicanswers
- Which Mahler symphony should I listen to first?
- What well known melody did Gustav Mahler use as a primary theme in his First Symphony?
- Why is Mahler's First Symphony called the Titan?
- When did Mahler write his first symphony?
Which Mahler symphony should I listen to first?
Generally speaking, the second symphony (known as The Resurrection) is a good place to start. If you think of it as a concept album about life, death and rebirth with added cymbal crashes, you're half-way there.
What well known melody did Gustav Mahler use as a primary theme in his First Symphony?
The initial 1st subject of the A section is based on the popular round "Bruder Jakob" (although Mahler calls it "Bruder Martin") more commonly known as "Frère Jacques"; however, Mahler places the melody in a minor mode.
Why is Mahler's First Symphony called the Titan?
Mahler chose the title “Titan” as a reference to Jean Paul's great novel of the same name. “Titan” was included in the title of the symphony's second (Hamburg) and third (Weimar) performances, after which it was permanently removed.
When did Mahler write his first symphony?
Gustav Mahler finished his first symphony in March of 1888 while employed as the second conductor at the Stadttheater (City Theater) in Leipzig.
