4. Urlicht (Primeval Light) – Sehr feierlich, aber schlicht (Very solemn, but simple):
The fourth movement, “Urlicht,” serves as a profound contrast to the monumental third movement. Scored for contralto solo and orchestra, this movement is a setting of a text from Des Knaben Wunderhorn. The atmosphere is serene, and Mahler’s orchestration is purposefully restrained to highlight the purity of the vocal line.
The soloist, representing a celestial figure, delivers a simple yet emotionally charged text. The music reflects a search for solace and meaning, exploring existential questions. The contralto’s lines are often supported by the orchestra in a call-and-response manner, creating a dialogue between the individual and the cosmic forces.
Mahler’s orchestration is characterized by its transparency and delicacy. Strings and woodwinds provide a gentle accompaniment, and the orchestral texture remains subdued to emphasize the introspective nature of the text. The movement’s brevity contributes to its emotional impact.
5. Im Tempo des Scherzos – “Aufersteh’n” (In the tempo of the Scherzo – “Resurrection”):
The fifth movement, also known as the finale, is a colossal and transformative journey that brings the symphony to its zenith. It introduces choral forces and builds towards a grand climax, fulfilling the symphony’s overarching theme of resurrection.
The movement begins with a powerful choral entrance, where voices and orchestra unite to present the “Resurrection” theme. The choir, along with the vocal soloist, contributes to the narrative of spiritual awakening and transcendence. The text explores themes of life, death, and the soul’s journey to redemption.
Mahler employs a symphonic structure, revisiting and expanding upon themes from earlier movements. The music traverses contrasting emotions, from tumultuous orchestral outbursts to moments of sublime tranquility. Mahler’s use of orchestral color and thematic development creates a compelling narrative arc.
The movement builds to a colossal climax, incorporating brass fanfares, percussion, and the full force of the choir and orchestra. This climactic moment symbolizes the resurrection and the triumph of the human spirit over mortality. The symphony concludes with a sense of apotheosis, as the final bars radiate with optimism and spiritual transcendence.
Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, particularly the fourth and fifth movements, stands as a monumental exploration of life, death, and the human spirit’s quest for transcendence. The fourth movement provides a moment of introspection and existential contemplation, while the fifth movement, with its choral and orchestral forces, brings the symphony to a triumphant and spiritually uplifting conclusion.
Mahler’s innovative orchestration, thematic richness, and profound emotional depth contribute to the enduring impact of the “Resurrection” Symphony.
Listening Project 