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Episode details

Radio 3,29 Jun 2020,61 mins

Symphony No. 4 in G major

Experience Classical

Available for over a year

Mahler’s 4th symphony is different in character from his earlier symphonies in that the massive orchestra is much reduced in size, and the overall feel is one of calm rather than emotional upheaval. Mahler weaves folk tunes, including a solo violin purposefully tuned higher to sound like a folk fiddle, into the score. The final movement is based around his 1892 song 'Das himmlische Leben' (The Heavenly Life), with soprano and cor anglais bringing things to a serene and moving close. Composer: Gustav Mahler Performers: BBC National Orchestra of Wales Performer: Emma Bell (Soprano) Conductor: Tadaaki Otaka Recording date: 07 March 2008

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