- Mahler, Gustav
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- Mahler - Symphony No. 4 (score and parts) - purchase
Mahler - Symphony No. 4 (score and parts) - purchase
Arranged for chamber orchestra (15 players)
Arrangements of Gustav Mahler's music for small ensembles have existed since Arnold Schoenberg founded his Society for Private Musical Performances in Vienna in 1918. It was fitting that Mahler should have featured in this way, as his music often has a soloistic, contrapuntal orchestration, that points towards the pared-down sound world of Berg, Webern and Schoenberg himself. Now that Mahler’s music is widely performed and heard, a new chamber arrangement can appear unnecessary. However, by retaining the character of the original and treating every player as a soloist, Mahler’s exposed and chamber-like writing can be successfully realised. Hearing the clarity of individual lines can reveal hidden aspects of the score, adding an intimacy in the performing and listening experience, as well as enabling these monumental works to be performed in smaller venues without enormous financial constraints. This arrangement by Iain Farrington consciously avoids recreating Schoenberg’s instrumentation, and instead aims to create a full orchestral picture from fifteen players, including Mahler's characteristic use of horn, trumpet and harp.
Instrumentation: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone (or horn if preferred), harp, 2 percussion (timpani, crash cymbal, triangle, sleigh bells, glockenspiel, tam-tam), violin 1, violin 2, viola, cello, double bass
Includes full score and complete set of parts