On This Day: Oct 18

In 1904 there was the first performance of Mahler’s Fifth Symphony by the Gürzenich Orchestra with the composer conducting, in Cologne.

There are 5 movements to the Symphony:

1. Trauermarsch (Funeral March). In gemessenem Schritt. Streng. Wie ein Kondukt (C-sharp minor)
2. Stürmisch bewegt, mit größter Vehemenz (Moving stormily, with the greatest vehemence) (A minor)
3. Scherzo. Kräftig, nicht zu schnell (D major)
4. Adagietto. Sehr langsam (F major)
5. Rondo-Finale. Allegro – Allegro giocoso. Frisch (D major)

The video is the start of the first movement, with Alan Gilbert, Principal Guest Conductor of the NDR Sinfonieorchester.

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