Mahler: Symphony No. 1 | Staatskapelle Dresden & Fabio Luisi 2008 (full symphony)

In the footsteps of Gustav Mahler: Fabio Luisi conducts Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 in D major as if the composer himself were standing at the lectern. This performance by Staatskapelle Dresden took place in 2008 at the Philharmonie im Gasteig Munich.

(00:00) I. Langsam. Schleppend. Im Anfang sehr gemächlich (Slowly, dragging)
(15:38) II. Kräftig bewegt, doch nicht zu schnell (Moving strongly, but not too quickly)
(24:17) III. Feierlich und gemessen, ohne zu schleppen (Solemnly and measured, without dragging)
(36:03) IV. Stürmisch bewegt (Stormily agitated – energetic)

Gustav Mahler (1860 - 1911) composed most of his first symphony between the end of 1887 and March 1888 and premiered it himself in 1889 – at that time as a “symphonic poem” in five movements. The lack of success of the premiere resulted in years of struggle over how to present and program this weighty symphonic work. This process only came to an end in 1899 when the first symphony went to print. While working on it, Mahler had even at times assigned his orchestral symphony movement titles and the nickname ‘Titan’ (after the hero of Jean Paul’s novel of the same name), which in the end he decided not to use.

Despite its traditional four-movement structure, at times Mahler’s First almost seems like a colorful, exuberant collage in which marches, fanfares, waltzes and folk songs abruptly alternate at times. As the main theme of the first movement, Mahler uses an instrumental version of the song ‘Ging heut’ morgen über’s Feld’, which he had taken from his first song cycle ‘Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen’. This joyous walk is framed by onomatopoeic sounds from nature, where listeners have the impression they are hearing French horns and birdcalls. The ‘musical wander’ then builds up to a triumphant finale. In the second movement, a coarse, powerful Ländler frames a sweetly wistful trio. This strident parody of folk music is reminiscent of an unbridled folk festival or busy fairground hustle and bustle. In contrast, the third movement begins as a funeral march, which turns out to be a minor-key version of the folk tune that became world-famous as the children’s song ‘Frère Jacques’. The funeral march theme is contrasted with distorted insertions of pleasing themes. Again, a song from Mahler’s first song cycle, this time ‘Die zwei blauen Augen’, provides the inspiration. In the fourth movement Mahler incorporates march music and other musical styles, and also revisits the theme of nature of the opening movement, although now it sounds more like a distant memory. The symphony culminates in a chorale that turns into a triumphant fanfare and concludes the thematic round. Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 is a magnificent orchestral work, probably unsurpassed in its theatricality and irony, in which the tragic and the grotesque are never far apart.

© EuroArts Music International

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[davemetzger]

Spectacular. No matter how many times I hear this symphony, I still get chills when the horn players stand "so as to drown out everything…even the trumpets."

[juliasmith]

Magnificent. I also love the journey of the conductor’s hair from the beginning of the piece to the end

[marsaeolus]

This conductor is incredible, superb discovery!

[michaelwackar]

Mahler's symphonies weren't just long so much as he was just patient and knew exactly where he was taking you and when. And what a journey it is!

[matthiashartge]

Fabio Luisi becomes more and more one of my favourite Mahler conductors. His energy is not often seen :D

[mozartmahler]

Absolutely spectacular Mahler 1st ! One of the best renditions. Proud of Fabio Luisi, who is from Genoa, my hometown...

[eumoka]

One of the BEST under Maestro Fabio Luisi!!!

[waynejones]

Fabio Luisi from a distance does look quite like Gustav Mahler!

[小向章市]

Very beautiful. Respect conductor and orchestra.

[tomrowe]

Loved watching the director in this video.

[asdfdsa]

This is great!! I love Fabio Luisi's interpretation is fantastic! As a horn player, I enjoy seeing the climax of the Finale being played by the 7/8 horns without support from a trumpet and trombone as Mahler himself placed in the score as an option. I often wonder why Mahler did not utilize 7-8 Wagner tubas instead of standard horns in this passage. Anyone who has heard the Universal Studios fanfare cannot tell the difference between the horn and the tuben until they know exactly where one ends and the other begins and even then it is not so obvious except the tuben project more. My graduate horn professor often referred to these tuben as 'horns on steroids'. I would love to see a performance of this Symphony where the horn players would put down the horns and take up the tuben for these last several minutes of this work. I really do believe Mahler would approve.

[elianemoreira]

Que maravilha começar meu dia ouvindo essas magníficas melodias!
❤🎼🎶🎶🎶🎵🎷🎺🎻📯

[jasonother]

Top top notch orchestra. This orchestra always delivers a spectacular performance.

[HeliNoir]

It’s so interesting to hear Mahler 1 interpreted by so many different orchestra and conductors! It’s always such a treat

[scottmiller]

A very fantastic performance worthy of a standing ovation, Bravo

[joseiovino]

Wonderful, wonderful performance, and excellent video production. Thank you and congratulations to you all.

[theingabo]

55:02 What an Epic and powerful finale!

[gordanbajda]

Late lunch goes well with Mahler! Thank You Ladies and Gentleman 😎

[awesomeandamazinggirl]

ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL i honestly felt so emotional this is unbelievable to my ears.

[fajung]

Bravo DW Classics for this and other stupendous performances!! 👏👏👏 You are promoting the best in German culture!!