Composer

:

Gustav Mahler

Genre

:

Symphony

Style

:

Symphony

Compose Date

:

1899 - 1900

Publication Date

:

1902 - 1906

First Performance

:

Nov 25, 1901

Average_duration

:

55:54

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 4 in G major was composed between 1899 and 1900 and premiered in Munich on November 25, 1901. The symphony is divided into four movements and has a total running time of approximately 55 minutes. The first movement, marked "Bedächtig, nicht eilen" (Deliberately, not rushed), begins with a gentle, lilting melody played by the strings. The movement is characterized by its use of folk-like melodies and its pastoral, bucolic atmosphere. The movement builds to a climax before subsiding into a peaceful coda. The second movement, marked "In gemächlicher Bewegung, ohne Hast" (At a leisurely pace, without haste), is a scherzo that features a solo violin playing a playful, childlike melody. The movement is notable for its use of sleigh bells, which add to the whimsical, fairy-tale quality of the music. The third movement, marked "Ruhevoll, poco adagio" (Peaceful, somewhat slow), is a slow, contemplative movement that features a solo violin playing a mournful melody. The movement is characterized by its use of rich, lush harmonies and its sense of introspection and reflection. The fourth and final movement, marked "Sehr behaglich" (Very comfortable), features a soprano soloist singing a setting of a poem by Friedrich Rückert. The movement is notable for its use of a childlike, innocent melody that is reminiscent of the first movement. The movement builds to a joyful, exuberant climax before subsiding into a peaceful coda. Overall, Mahler's Symphony No. 4 is characterized by its use of folk-like melodies, its pastoral atmosphere, and its sense of childlike innocence and wonder. The symphony is often seen as a departure from Mahler's more complex and emotionally intense works, and is considered one of his most accessible and approachable compositions.

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