Mahler - Symphony No. 6 (piano solo)
Arranged for solo piano
Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) composed his 6th Symphony in 1903-4 while he was music director at the Vienna State Opera. It was written at Mahler's composing hut in Maiernigg near the Wörthersee, and he conducted the premiere in 1906 in Essen. The work has been subtitled 'Tragic' owing to the dark and stormy nature of much of the music. This contrasts strongly with the period of personal stability and happiness during which Mahler composed the work: he was happily married with a growing family, and at the height of his conducting career to date. Mahler originally composed the work with the Scherzo second and Andante third, but changed his mind during rehearsals for the premiere. Mahler's original order has been published here, although either order is possible, and performers can choose their own preference. This arrangement by Iain Farrington for piano solo is in a full, Romantic style, whilst maintaining the beauty and delicacy of the score in a clear, playable arrangement.