Mahler symphony no.1 mvt 2

Mahler symphony no. 1 mvt 2
Slovak Radio Orchestra (not very good...)

The movement is in three throughout. The bases outline the main rhythmic gesture as a soli. Then the woodwinds come in with the main motivic line with the cooperation of the strings. This phrase is then repeated as a written repeat. The horns and basses give a transitional bar or two into the development of this same theme. The developed theme eventually becomes more developed. It is new material but should not be classified as the second them. The violins play a virtuous passage outlining the second theme. A large sweeping crescendo culminates to the basses playing soli rhythmic patterns. The main motivic gestures are repeated but within a different texture and dynamic. A crescendo happens again and the density is immediately increased. A hemiola occurs as all the brass enters leading up to the second theme. This theme is played by the strings and accompanied by brief interjections by the oboes and other woodwinds. The answer to the theme is still contained within the confines of the second theme but is somewhat new material. The texture changes as pizzicato make themselves heard. There is some mode mixture. The secondary theme winds down as the horn solo states the same thing as the basses did at the very beginning of the movement. Now, the first motivic gestures are repeated almost identically. Another sweeping crescendo occurs changing the density of the piece. The hemiola returns with runs by the horns and trumpets against the descending notes of the low brass. As with most movements in three, this movement makes me feel like dancing. There is a wonderful feeling of levity. The intensity and burden of the first movement are temporarily removed by the compassion of this movement.