Mahler: Symphony No. 2 in C Minor "Resurrection" (Arr. H. Behn for 2 Pianos & Voices) [Live]

Featuring

Christiane Behn
Mathias Weber
Daniela Bechly
Iris Vermillion
Claus Bantzer
Harvestehuder Kammerchor

Gustav Mahler

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Composition History

Mahler found the inspiration for the finale of his Second Symphony in March 1894, during the funeral of Hans von Bülow, a renowned conductor, when he heard a choir sing Klopstock's chorale "Auferstehn" (Arise).

Performer Biography

The manuscript of Hermann Behn's two-piano transcription of Mahler's Second Symphony was rediscovered by his great-granddaughter, the pianist Christiane Behn, who performs on this recording.

Composition History

Gustav Mahler's Second Symphony, known as the "Resurrection Symphony," was originally conceived with its first movement as a standalone symphonic poem titled "Totenfeier" (Obsequies) in 1888.

Composition History

Hermann Behn, a friend of Mahler and a law graduate who studied composition, transcribed Mahler's Second Symphony for two pianos without Mahler's initial knowledge, a version Mahler later praised as "excellent."

Composer's Artistic Vision

Mahler added six of his own verses to the chorale text for the finale of his Second Symphony, incorporating a personal religious statement and his fascination with overcoming death.

Compositional Technique

The third movement of Mahler's Second Symphony is based on the musical substance of the folk song "Des Antonius von Padua Fischpredigt" from "Des Knaben Wunderhorn," which Mahler saw as a satire on humanity.