Re: Comparing Beethovens 9th and Mahlers 2nd(Resurection) symphonys.

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: : : Can any one give me some help on comparing these two syphonys as I am studying them for A Level and need to do a project on them. Any useful websites or info would be greatly appreciated. : : : Many Thanks. : : : Tim : : Hi Tim, : : I don't know very much about Beethoven's ninth so I could not be of much help. : : : I would compare the texts of the chorals to get an idea of the sentiments expressed in the two works. : : That would be a good way to compare the philosophical or spiritual meanings each composer wanted to convey. : : Mahler wrestled with the problem life and death. : : He witnessed about five of his brothers and sisters die. He frequently used funeral marches in his symphonies. : : : : His 2nd Symphony I would classify as his sentiments in a hope in the triumph of life seen in the resurrection from death. But his poetic backround to this hope did not include any statements from the the Bible where one might expect him to draw some material. : : Instead he found some inspiration in some poetry by Klopstok (spelling?). : : I think in the second movement he does allude to some legendary religious lore about St. Francis lecturing to the fish in the sea or some such thing. : : His 6th Symphony is the exact opposite of the 2nd. In the "Tragic" 6th he develops his expectation of the final triumph of death rather than life. There is no choral in the 6th. : : That is not terribly helpful. But listening, studying the texts, and consulting notes on the two works will help. : : : : jw : In comparing two works it is useful to write down their simularities and differences in both format and content. While this may sound like Duh? it is important to do and then study them until YOU see a pattern or diffference you find interesting and pursue it. Unless you are going to write a "Dissertation" length paper, you need first to narrow your scope. My suggestions for bibliography are: Mahler/Bruno Walter A short study of syphonies by Derrick Cooke. There is a longer study by a gentlemen whose name I can't quite place but is something like Constantine Florino [???] of course the Henri La Grange{?] volumes as really essential.For the Second Symphony you should check out notes by Gilbert Kaplan in his recording. : Beethoven 9: Beethoven:Last Decade by Cooper[?] : Beethoven 9th by Levy also books by Cook, Schenker and the studies of Grove, Berlioz and Vaughn Williams. : Good Luck

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