Mahler: Symphony No. 5 (with Score)

Gustav Mahler:
Symphony No. 5 (with Score)
Composed: 1902
Conductor: Simon Rattle
Orchestra: Berliner Philharmoniker

Part I
- 00:00 1. Trauermarsch (Funeral march). In gemessenem Schritt. Streng. Wie ein Kondukt (At a measured pace. Strict. Like a funeral procession.) (C-sharp minor)
- 13:04 2. Stürmisch bewegt, mit größter Vehemenz (Moving stormily, with the greatest vehemence) (A minor)
Part II
- 27:34 3. Scherzo. Kräftig, nicht zu schnell (Strong and not too fast) (D major)
Part III
- 44:33 4. Adagietto. Sehr langsam (Very slow) (F major)
- 54:06 5. Rondo-Finale. Allegro – Allegro giocoso. Frisch (Fresh) (D major)

The Symphony No. 5 by Gustav Mahler was composed in 1901 and 1902, mostly during the summer months at Mahler's holiday cottage at Maiernigg. Among its most distinctive features are the trumpet solo that opens the work with a rhythmic motif similar to the opening of Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 5, the horn solos in the third movement and the frequently performed Adagietto.

The musical canvas and emotional scope of the work, which lasts over an hour, are huge. The symphony is sometimes described as being in the key of C♯ minor since the first movement is in this key (the finale, however, is in D major). Mahler objected to the label: "From the order of the movements (where the usual first movement now comes second) it is difficult to speak of a key for the 'whole Symphony', and to avoid misunderstandings the key should best be omitted."