Mahler: Symphony No. 4

Using a reduced orchestra, unusually without any lower brass, Mahler’s Fourth Symphony is influenced by the trend to revive the classical style of Haydn and Mozart, as a reaction against the monumental ‘Wagnerian’ romanticism of its predecessors. The work is based around the final movement, written some years earlier – its childish and naïve text giving shape to the other movements.

1. I. Bedächtig. Nicht Eilen

2. II. In gemächlicher Bewegung. Ohne Hast

3. II. Ruhevoll (Poco adagio - Allegretto subito - Allegro subito)

4. IV. Sehr behaglich ('Wir genießen die himmlischen Freuden')