The Ultimate Mahler Exam

Composer Richard Atkinson being given an evil Mahler exam by fellow Mahler-maniac Peng-Peng Gong

[@Stravinsky75]

Peng-Peng Gong: This is gonna be easy [plays major 2nd] Atkinson: The Andante of Mahler 6, obviously

[@Richard.Atkinson]

The reason I was thinking Symphony #5 for that question instead of the last movement of Symphony #1 is that he said "next question I won't necessarily start at the beginning."

[@EmdrGreg]

Peng-Peng Gong looks innocent enough, but he is evil-- pure evil... The questions are beyond belief, and so are Richard's answers. Amazing.

[@drtmuir]

Why are correct answers rewarded with Offenbach? 😂

[@dennischiapello7243]

Annoyance factor.

[@mogmason6920]

Because Bernstein!

[@andysleak]

The presentation is awful, the Offenbach offensive.

[@MiloMcCarthyMusic]

@@andysleak how

[@maestrotheoretically519]

2:44 that really sounds like the beginning of the 4th movement of mahlers 1st!

[@ibamINV]

I am 79 years old and have been a Mahler freak all my life. During a very troubled time in my early 20s, listening to Mahler every night helped me get through, especially Das Lied von der Erde, the Klemperer/Ludwig/Wunderlich recording, which remains my favorite. Thanks for this delightfully challenging exam and kudos to Ric for getting them all! A total challenge for this non-musician even though Mahler speaks to me like no other. Bravo.

[@quidestveritas]

Good to see Richard Atkinson flexing his symphonic knowledge in corporeal form

[@prut9261]

There could be more than one answer to a lot of these since Mahler quotes himself so often.

[@AlgyCuber]

I think the first one is repeated 2 more times in the first movement and 3 times in the last movement

[@rebekahlambert4440]

I heard the 2nd part of Symphony 8 and was confused because a very similar figure is at the beginning of one of the the Rückert Lieder set!

[@yugominier4452]

@@rebekahlambert4440 wow true there, pretty nice. At the same time i shouldn't be that surprised cause one of Mahler's 1rst symphony 1rst movement's melody was taken from one of his lieder from "lieder eines fahrenden gesellen" but unfortunately I don't know all his self quotes

[@Nicolas-rd2qk]

I regularly watch this video, let's say once a year, and I always enjoy it !

[@kenm.3512]

You are killing me with the can-can, gentlemen! Pretty cool though. I got 4 of them. Not bad.

[@JackSafferyRowe]

I totally got 7 on this. I'm so proud.

[@noahmysic1389]

that sudden offenbach is absolutly genius!! xD

[@christopherzhou6610]

You guys are amazing. LOL at the last one.

[@alexalfarodelgado]

A M A Z I N G, but incredibly, except by the 7th symphony question (isn't my favourite), I can recognize all of them. Mahler is incomparable!

[@PointyTailofSatan]

I had a pet bear named Gustav Mauler.

[@EminAnimE1]

I've never been musically trained and got most of these right! But I listen to a lot of Mahler!

[@chopincookies]

Me myself are very very Mahlerian and without perfect pitch, I can guess one or two answers plus the final question immediately, and now I felt "One day I will answer them alllll!!".

[@Rhythmmical]

I was surprised to get a few of these correct myself.

[@galacticstorm854]

5:55 Moonlight Sonata movement three 😂

[@jackbishop9582]

Fantasie Impromptu?

[@u.v.s.5583]

I expected at least one little hammer joke.

[@ze_rubenator]

I do this with my brother all the time, except it's usually more in the vein of Queen, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Genesis, Van Halen, Gary Moore etc.. It's amazing how little it takes to recognize a song.

[@showingYOUtheworld]

On the piano is totally different. Bravo 👏

[@yuzhenglin533]

You guys are amazing!

[@grannybrer]

This is pretty amazing!

[@davidseong1413]

The answer of the third question is i think the last movement of the first symphony, rather than his fifth symphony, the chord is different.

[@janmikolas8868]

Thank you! This was a real fun! I did not recognize two pieces, but others I did! I always loved this sort of challenges.. More please.. (Beethoven, Shostakovich?)

[@GretchenHewitt]

So so fun! On the 8th, I heard the opening to the song Ich atmet einen Lindenduft.

[@wickedpawn5437]

I can't believe I got all answers right, except for the Symphonies I haven't worked on yet (7th and above). Time to get ready for Symphony No. 7!

[@albertferrerflamarich]

You are crazy! Bravo!!!

[@danielzarb-cousin8074]

Can safely say I got more of these correct, more quickly than Richard himself.

[@jmancl1252]

The fact I got some of these correct makes me happy this is such a fun idea

[@leungyatchun9552]

Do one more from Bruckner!

[@ryandogoldogol5244]

Got 4! Great video

[@LisztyLiszt]

Q: Here's a major second. In which Mahler symphony would your hear that? A: All of them. In every movement. In almost every bar. Correct ✓

[@thenobody7904]

Not those exact two notes, not at that exact tempo, not at that exact volume.

[@LisztyLiszt]

@@thenobody7904 Tempo and Volume are broadly matters of interpretation. As for those specific notes, just take out every bar and it's still pretty accurate.

[@ROBZofficial]

I was only able to guess the part from Symphony No.8 (my favorite Mahler symphony).

[@bilahn1198]

It's in my top three as well. Have you ever noticed there are some people who claim to be Mahler fans who don't like the 8th? Even hate it. I find that incomprehensible.

[@Grazherz]

Great quiz! I got all correct (in spite of some incorret rhythmic notation) Having perfect pitch helped a lot. This inspires me to try the same with Wagner!!!!

[@gaydvorak7053]

If you press the right arrow on your keyboard, you can skip the Offenbach sections

[@maxwellkrem2779]

Entertaining! I couldn't guess these.

[@pega17pl]

Pleasing and amazing! (I know theme from #8 - too characteristical.)

[@EnsVocaleNapoli]

Bravo!

[@nottingham_ChrisAllison]

Haha..love this video.. some proper Mahler nerds 😆😆

[@huinyung3622]

this is insane!

[@barney6888]

well, I beat Richard on the 2nd one, but he was on cam i stopped while i was ahead

[@themike97_58]

at least i got the first one right...

[@fuqin9462]

Hooray for Mahler nerds, but the loud can can got really annoying

[@pierfrancescopeperoni]

I guessed only: symphony 9 3rd movement after the third note; Symphony 4 2nd movement; Symphony 6 slow movement; Symphony 5 3rd movement after the third note; Symphony 9 4th movement.

[@fcamiola]

Wow this was difficult!

[@henrykszeryng5900]

This is like twoset only in funny

[@phineasg7709]

This is diabolical.

[@user-ud1oi4mb7k]

While the chord on 2:49 appears both in finale of the first symphony and the first part of the fifth symphony, the following chords are different. In symphony no. 5 pt. 1 we've got the second inversion of F minor chord with a C in the root, which is the fifth of that chord. So the chord functionates as a I. Meanwhile, in symphony no.1 pt.4 we can see a simple C major chord with C in the root, which functionates as a V.

[@uranrising]

The one I did get was the one-note [!!] last one. Pity, in away, we get the answers immediately. Great fun, tho'.

[@chiufranz]

BTW, the F# from symphony 4 seems cover by the grace note G so i can't recognize it :(

[@markokassenaar4387]

The quiz is great, the constant repetition of the Offenbach after every correct answer a bloody nuisance (and way too long)

[@elimaurer9491]

I know that curtain!

[@unterwegsmitodysseus6204]

Funny stuff, guys! Sems that I‘m a nerd too. :-)

[@LuoxianHe]

Juilliard Practice room??

I'm a fan... but still unable to do this

[@chindertitan]

The great Lenny Bernstein said that Mahler liked Chinese philosophy and poetry. I hear strains of Chinese music in nearly all of Mahler's symphonies (not including Das Lied which is all Chinese music and poetry) Next exam, identify all the Chinese music in all the symphonies.

[@charlescoleman5509]

Got’em all!

[@thefrankonion]

I promise you that I answered all of these questions before the answer was given. Question #1: 4th Symphony, 1st Movement. Question #2 is very difficult: The Rondo Burlesque from the 9th Symphony, I forget the movement number, but I think it is the 3rd movement. But the questioner played it too fast, and got the rhythm incorrect, as if the B were a grace note, where the emphasis should be on the B, the accent that is and each note should be played equally the same in length. Question #3 is almost impossible. And since I don't know the late symphonies so well, I can only guess here. Is that one chord (again impossible question) from Symphony #8? So I got that one wrong. But Mahler does that sort of chord quite a lot in his mid to late symphonies. The only giveaway was that the dynamic was Loud. Question #4: I didn't even have a chance to answer that, the answer was given almost immediately. But it was played so loudly that I couldn't understand it to be the first chord from the 3rd Movement of Symphony #4, which opens so quietly. Question #5: I don't know the 6th symphony at all. Question #6: I know that one very well. It's one of the Nachtmusiks from Symphony #7, either the beginning of the 2nd or the 4th movement. It goes: an octave leap, and then descends three steps. Question #7: It's the opening of a movement from the 5th Symphony, the Scherzo, third movement. Question #8: I just don't know the late symphonies so well. I know it's a late symphony, and probably the 8th, but I've never heard the 8th in its entirety. Question #9: Because it's played triple forte, it could be the finale of Symphony 1, but I got it wrong, and I know the 9th symphony very well! But I don't listen to the 4th movement ever because it's too depressing.

[@bluetortilla]

Well, that was a worthless test for us, laypeople. But I did get three right! I was an English TESOL teacher by profession. I used to drive my students absolutely insane with phonetics.😁

[@georgealderson4424]

I felt sorry for Rick as even though it was just for fun I bet he felt a bit of exam nerves and pressure but he answered well. What is he going to do to take revenge😀?

[@SuperMahler2012]

Shoot, I missed three. But that means I got seven right. My future career in musicology can still be saved! :D

[@tonescape1]

Wow, Ric did a great job, he really knows his Mahler! I would have done just slightly better than him. I also needed the third note for the Rondo Burlesk, but didn't need it for the 5th Symphony scherzo.

[@yooolue]

My GF and I hit quiz #3-8 (symphonies 4-9 w/o Burleske of 9)!

[@Quotenwagnerianer]

Hihihi. That you even had to think for one second for the second one... I guess I'm nerdier than you. :P It could have been more evil by including the songs. ;)

[@NobodyAgeofEmpires2]

What was the recording for the actual mahler sound clips?

[@R-N88]

6:06 sounds like Beethoven 9, M4!

[@jellyyl2712]

lol i only got the last one

[@tjhooker824]

I got the last one yay

[@pedritogazi5816]

Really, which piece of mahler is that you use for the intro of the vídeo??

[@StefanGraz]

Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection", Beginning of the finale

[@luableah7615]

The Offenbach is entertaining

[@chiufranz]

only scherzo of 5th and the broken chord of 8th are correct XD

[@AndreyRubtsovRU]

This guy in the corner of the video is a bit spooky

[@1685forest]

Hi I am channel manager of 클래식의 숲(Classical forest). Can I make Korean subtitle on your video and upload? It is great video for Maherlian like me. Of course I will refer your original video link on information. Thank you.

[@schoenbergshoes1511]

@p/sZsi9Xsn3oB0DYseAoNWEY7WHah4QY79Engz8lgbBmwPCnwvDmgP7ngfBnwrD@p/sZsi9Xsn3oB0DYseAoNWEY7WHah4QY79Engz8lgbBmwPCnwvDmgP7ngfBnwrD Sure!

[@SpaghettiToaster]

Haha, what has youtube done translating his name there!

[@eugeneferdinandvictordelac8803]

it is GREAT TO HAMMER IN ONE'S HEAD OFFENBACH

[@dianaperry6255]

클래식의 숲(Classical forest) n

[@Marrio49]

What's the point

[@honoratamusica]

I love you guys! I guessed only 3 :D

[@pedritogazi5816]

What's the Music of the very begining of this vídeo??

[@MrJYTK]

Pedrito Gazi mahler symphony 2 finale

[@bilahn1198]

And I thought I was a Mahler nerd I only got three right. By the way why do some commenters need to complain about this?

[@leodesaintsalvy6948]

Can somebody please tell me the title of the intro piece I desperately need it

[@alricboullemant3117]

ur mom

[@joaopedrolessa2242]

Is the beginning of the 5th mov of mahler’s 2nd symphony

[@cesargoodman5753]

3:42 naaaaa! That's 3 mov 1st

[@yugominier4452]

nah it seems like it but it's not the same notes 3rd mov of 1st are : D - E - F (3rd bar) [minor key scale begining-> giving a sad/gloomy entrance for the funeral march] and this one is : Eb - F - G [major key scale begining -> giving a real tranquility atmosphere for the begining of this movement] and it is the 3rd mov (slow mov) of the 6th it's off one semiton but i think you already know that they're not the same, saying that just in case.

[@cesargoodman5753]

Yes, but, only if you have perfect pitch, there's no way you can tell the difference when there's only a semitone of difference between one and the other. The first two notes of a major scale are in the Dems interval than a minor one , a tone, and here is about only two notes.

[@stefanmariaschneider]

What's the intro piece of the video again? :)

[@tommasotessadori7730]

Stefan Maria Schneider Mahler, Second Symphony-last movement

[@andrewjessop3140]

That is the classic "Death Shriek" from the 2nd Symphony

[@eliasshaw3753]

I can do Beethoven's 6 7 9 😂

[@LazlosPlane]

What city are you talking about?

[@KinkyLettuce]

new york

[@andreauribe6454]

N°1 fifth.

[@andreauribe6454]

Fourth...

[@ediz214]

Wow, you guys HAVE to do another. I'm 14 and got all but 1 correct. You guys are great, haha

[@dacotv7234]

that was not easy

[@Afreeusername_]

I got a 60 lol

[@YTCvocal]

ヒント少なすぎて笑った

[@MrRbjunior83]

And who’s needs of this? Am I better composer or musician if I do this exam?! You’re loosing your time!

[@MrRbjunior83]

Steven Moore :) Thank you for your advice!

[@feel950801]

너무쉬운데? 그리고 Symphony 7-2가 아니라 7-4임 수정바람.

[@perpetualmotion319]

peng peng gong.... lmao

[@Barbapippo]

What really worries me is that I actually guessed 4 answers for this idiotic test..

[@SpaghettiToaster]

Maybe what should worry you is your bad attitude?

[@Tokkemon]

Laaaame!

[@rjenkins23853]

Of course that was so easy so very easy.. I had the all CORRECT with no help. Haha you guys should be ashamed not to play something from Symphony number 6 movement 4. C’mon boys. You can take this to the next level.

[@christiandiegoalcocer]

I call fake, at least on the last one. How could he identify it by just hearing ANOTHER octave, without perfect pitch, in particular since a fortississimo (fff) on a piano sounds so different than on a strings section?

[@jin12345678]

I identified the last one. Even without "perfect pitch" he could probably still vaguely recognize the register the note is in, and the clue that "there is no chord but just an octave above after" pretty much gives it away.

[@Richard.Atkinson]

Since I'm the one in the video, I'll answer. Even though I don't have perfect pitch, I am much more likely to recognize something if it is played in the correct key. Similarly, I could have done much better listening to actual excerpts from orchestral recordings, since that's what I'm used to hearing (not the piano).

[@nicholasfox966]

In addition, we are dealing with a finite sample set--the musical motives of the works of Gustav Mahler. It's not just a random loud A-flat, but an unharmonized, loud A-flat that begins a musical motive of Mahler. If one is intimately familiar with his symphonies, one can pretty quickly narrow it down to the opening of the last movement of the 9th.

[@danielsawler]

These were all pretty prominent passages. Funnily enough, the last one is the only one I felt comfortable answering as soon as I heard it.

[@Richard.Atkinson]

Exactly.

[@AndrewRudin]

These are mostly really silly.... come on... a g major chord? Mahler certainly doesn't own this.... OR an octave leap upward (could be Harold Arlen)... or certainly not an Ab whole note. But, it IS interesting how often just a two-note interval, or certainly three note motif instantly suggests and identifies a Mahler theme.

[@seek__on]

Nobody is claiming that he owns these. This quiz is about identifying which part of which mahler symphony that g major chord was in, for example. Of course he's not the first to use it.

[@mjears]

The notation shown for several of these is on the wrong beat, which makes a big difference. And wrong dynamics, and bogus accents. Still, I got all but one correct (with the 3rd note hints); I missed the 1-IV opening because the chord and the bass note don't hit at the same time the way you played it. Also the repeated can-can music is extremely irritating. This kind of quiz could be more enjoyable for Mahler fanatics like us if presented more thoughtfully.

[@SpaghettiToaster]

Richard didn't get to see any of this

[@Fritz_Maisenbacher]

ok , I could answer to the most of it , but the pianist is really awful , he plays these wonderful notes without any , any sensibility . And I am very serious .

[@eugeneferdinandvictordelac8803]

what the hell do here Offenbach !?!?? can you just play the music he recognized INSEAD... I assumed you are more inteligente... but not.