Why Everyone Loves This Piece by Mahler

[@tommyron]

"Mahler makes you wait." I think with those four words you concisely encompass something essential and vast in this music. Great presentation. Thank you.

[@NahreSol]

Thank you!!!

[@ConwayBob]

Yes, Mahler makes us wait, but then he rewards us amply for our patience!

[@nakedcellist]

He's so great at emotional edging

[@ur.kr.2814]

Hmm.. but I think many many composers do that. It's almost an essential ingredient to some degree. I think the point about interpretability is more interesting.

[@u2b83]

Nah, he's just edging* lol GPT4 says: There is no documented evidence or credible historical sources to suggest that Gustav Mahler, the renowned Austrian composer and conductor, practiced a technique known as "edging." The term and the specific practice it refers to do not appear in historical discussions of Mahler's life and work. The idea that "Mahler makes you wait" can indeed be seen as an auditory parallel to the concept of edging, in the sense that both involve the deliberate prolongation of anticipation to heighten the eventual payoff. In the context of Mahler's music, this concept refers to his use of extended build-ups, delayed resolutions, and gradual crescendos to create an intense emotional experience for the listener. Mahler's compositions often feature long, drawn-out passages that build tension and expectation, only to resolve in a powerful and emotionally charged climax. This technique keeps listeners on the edge of their seats, heightening their engagement and emotional response to the music. For instance, in Mahler's Symphony No. 2 ("Resurrection"), the final movement builds over an extended period, gradually increasing in intensity until it reaches a magnificent and triumphant conclusion. This slow and deliberate pacing is a hallmark of Mahler's style, making his music a rich and immersive experience. Comparing this to the practice of edging, both involve a controlled delay to amplify the eventual satisfaction. In edging, the delay is physical and personal, while in Mahler's music, it is an emotional and auditory experience shared between the composer and the audience.

[@michaelbishop.]

Thank you for removing some of the barriers that exist for those of us who did not receive a classical music education. Long may you continue 👏👏

[@NahreSol]

Thank you back!! I appreciate it…

[@Martial-Mat]

Hear hear!

[@stephenkristan853]

Mahler cleverly weaves parts of the Adagietto’s theme into the ecstatically energetic final movement of the Symphony. It took me many listenings to recognize the theme in its new guise. It’s a fabulous symphony.

[@Martial-Mat]

@@stephenkristan853 I've never heard the entire symphony. Maybe I'll search it out.

[@jesustovar2549]

​@@Martial-MatI started out with the Adagietto, but then I started to listen to the whole symphonies, it's almost like he wrote film scores and I like that, can be emotional, but also fun and EPIC, I say the 1st one (Titan) is a good way to start.

[@normanchristie4524]

I first encountered Mahler in 1986. I was away from home, living in London. I had had a classical music upbringing, a very good boy soprano and classical violin .All links lost when my voice changed at 14. No money for adult voice lessons. I had the Mahler symphonies on tape and hours of car driving so I sang! I had no idea whether I was baritone, tenor. I had joined a new choir and the chosen piece was 'Thou The Central Orb', i suddenly realised that I was the only tenor so had to go for it! I am now 80 and can still hit A+ thanks to Mahler!

[@NicolasEmbleton]

Beautiful story

[@ChocolateJewels]

I love this! "I suddenly realized that I was the only tenor so had to go for it!" I love this. I would love to hear you sing.

[@robertsementilli9516]

Nahre, you are such a gifted communicator, not only through your music but also through your narratives. You know how to tell a story.!! Thanks so much for sharing. Keep 'em coming...

[@NahreSol]

Thank you so much!! I appreciate it…!!

[@ahealthyyoungdrugaddict5474]

"Bernstein so loved this piece of music, he was buried with a copy of the score of Mahler's 5th laid across his heart."

[@jimslancio]

In one of Bernstein's Charles Elliot Norton lectures at Harvard, he discusses the Adagietto. The Norton Lectures are available on KZbin.

[@lurking0death]

Bernstein should have spent a lot more time perfecting his emotions rather than wallowing in them like a helpless hippo. Same for little Gus Mahler.

[@JoePalau]

Bernstein’s Mahler project was deeply luminous for me. The release of each recording led to long listening sessions and comparisons with earlier and contemporary to Bernstein recordings. My understanding of Mahler and later R Strauss songs were driven by my passion for his Mahler work. I’m still grateful even is my musical appreciation has wander beyond Bernstein’s recordings. Thank you, Lenny. 🎉🎉🎉

[@musicalme27]

​@@lurking0death you're a real ray of sunshine

[@slothmode3590]

@@lurking0death😂😂😂 wtf

[@dasteufelhund]

The adagietto is simply heaven. For us who are imperfect, it gives us a glimpse, of it.

[@chicobicalho5621]

This was really wonderful, thank you. I believe, for any music lover, "discovering" Mahler is one of the great milestones in life, for Mahler is a miracle in itself; a good example is Gilbert Kaplan and the n⁰ 2, for only Mahler could inspire someone to undergo this massive and inexplicable undertake. And as far as the Adagietto, it is hard not to think of Maria's loss, whether it was written for her or not. But listening to it, I always think of the unbearable sadness of a father loosing a beloved daughter at a very young age.

[@raffichen]

I love this movement, and you point out the feeling of self-restraint in this movement so succinctly. What makes this piece special to me is the pleading sound that breaks out towards the middle, but the structure around it that's so naturally human is also wholesome and beautiful.

[@NahreSol]

Thank you!!! And for additional insights!!

[@Siansonea]

The Adagietto has long been a favorite. It's poignant without being maudlin like Barber's Adagio for Strings. It's very meditative, without being boring, and the end is so satisfying and beautiful. It feels like reflecting on one's past at the end of one's life, visiting each memory and lingering and cherishing those memories. It's just so beautifully woven together. It's sad and sweet and somber but also somehow hopeful and calm. I just love it so much.

[@AndreyRubtsovRU]

To my taste Barber's one is superiour. I think 'maudlin' is like Mahler's second name.

[@dennischiapello7243]

@@AndreyRubtsovRU Mahler would agree with you and say "You're welcome." 😁

[@DomFileoreum]

The first time I listened to Mahler it was the 3rd symphony, I was very intimidated by the lenght, (almost 2 hours) but when the symhony finished, I slowly took my headphones off and my jaw was dropped

[@NahreSol]

His music can be pretty epic…

[@jesustovar2549]

The chorus on that symphony are beautiful, one text is even taken from Nietzsche's Thus Spoke Zarathustra, the final movement to me can be the definition of peace and also dispair. Leaves room for the imagination.

[@stephens2984]

the first time i listened to the third i was shredded emotionally and was worn out and glad i was alone.

[@Marcel_Audubon]

you had had a stroke?

[@DomFileoreum]

@@Marcel_Audubon Kinda, if not, it was somewhere close.

[@jorgegrajales7695]

Mahler's music is more than Profound, more than sublime, it's one of the best achievements in human history.

[@NahreSol]

Thank you for the comment!!

[@jorgegrajales7695]

@@NahreSol thank you for sharing your knowledge and for loving classical music. Classical music is not just a hobby, it's a life style.

[@jesustovar2549]

The finale of the 2nd symphony is the ONE THING (not just a piece of music) that made me cry the most😭😭😭 that's why I had a hard time listening to it again but I have overcome it, still pretty epic.

[@jesustovar2549]

​@@jorgegrajales7695You're right, classical music became my life style a long time ago, once you go in you never go back, I'm just 20 and I've been in youth orchestras since I was like 8.

[@jorgegrajales7695]

@@jesustovar2549 that happens to me when I listen to the last movement of the third one.

[@oneirdaathnaram1376]

I am an absolute fan of Mahler. It's the emotionally deepest music I have ever listened to. The fact that one can play it fast or slow and it always sounds gorgeous speaks for its compositional quality, I'd say. The same goes for J.S. Bach's music (my favourite composer): slow or quick - it's always a masterpiece.

[@leestamm3187]

Mahler was a serious fan of Bach.

[@jesustovar2549]

Same, big fan of Mahler here, his music can be pretty EPIC, but also joyful and reflexive, leaves room for my imagination.

[@jesustovar2549]

​@@leestamm3187Like, who dosen't? Almost all great composers had Bach in high regard, Haydn, Mozart (who studied with one of Bach's sons), Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Debussy, Stravinsky, the list goes on and on.

[@laurenth7187]

Well no, emotional deepest music is the 2nd duo for violin and alto from Mozart. Sorry.

[@oneirdaathnaram1376]

@@laurenth7187 The emotionally deepest music for you, and that's quite alright so. Enjoy the experience. Many dear greetings, A.

[@andreivulpescu503]

This was the last piece I listened to with my cat, so it has a very special place in my heart. Another thing he does very well to add to the air of hesitance to speak one’s mind is the way he voices his chords. In the B section, there is a resolution to an A-flat minor chord in the upper strings. The way the chord is voiced, the strings are as far apart as possible without breaking the rules of spacing in the common-practice era; this simultaneously gives a release of tension, and makes it much more hushed, as if he is unable to make himself say it at all; as if there is no point in saying it out loud.

[@rosamundplace5358]

It's such a joy to listen to someone talking with knowledge, insight & discernment about music, thank you, it's difficult to do so!

[@ArtyFactual_Intelligence]

Which one of you died?

[@Martial-Mat]

So much of what you said, I would never have been able to articulate, and may not have even picked up on, yet they are crystal clear when you describe them. I find videos like this SO useful in expanding my musical comprehension. Speaking personally, I have always considered this piece to be about reminiscing for something past - youth; a summer's day; a beautiful experience never to be experienced again. Yet it's not entirely the doomed, pained , tragic longing of Death in Venice; rather it's the 90 year old couple, still in love, sitting on their porch, hand in hand, wordlessly remembering their happy decades together.

[@NahreSol]

Wow, thank you so much for the comment. I appreciate it!!

[@henboker3]

Incredible explication of Mahler. I've listened many times without the teacher's depth, an intellectual tempo itself that moves us. Thank you for the moments, Ms. Sol

[@lion_cantante]

This is absolutely crazy....Yesterday night I watched the most beautiful sunset over the sky of Berlin and for some reason, this piece randomly came up to my head and for the next hour I listened to it over and over again, came home, watched the Bernstein-Lecture about it and played it on the piano in the middle of the night. And what happened the next day as I wake up? Turns out my favorite youtuber just loaded up a video about it. Sending hugs from Germany :*

[@josie4784]

Discovered your channel this evening. Based on this post I'm sure I'll be back. As for Mahler this is a huge favourite. Maybe not of itself but of memories evoked. My father was a music teacher/conductor and I would accompany him everywhere for rehearsals from age 4. Classical music has always been my safe place. This has brought back so many wonderful memories.

[@johnkern43]

"there are moments in every man's life when he glimpses the eternal," Robert Conway. This was one of Mahler's moments and it is our blessing that he shared it with us.

[@RobWhittlestone]

Thank you Nahre - I love to understand the background of music. My father knew so much - also about the personal lives of the composers and the background to particular pieces - he brought music alive and made it relevant to everyone's life. I sorely miss him. Subscribed. I hope to learn more about many many of my favourite pieces. I'm deeply grateful for people like you. Rob in Switzerland

[@jangeisler9536]

Favourite channel rn. Your explanations are of exceptional quality and clarity. Thank you for your videos!

[@SadDetonator]

Great video, I subscribed immediately. The one thing I take exception to is the "Alma problem". Having read comprehensive Mahler studies as well as Alma's own words (diary entries, letters etc.), there is little doubt that she detested her husband, even before her advantageous marriage and certainly throughout. Even after his death, when she was habitually getting drunk off his royalties, she referred to him frequently as "that little Jew".

[@cesardiezv]

Mahler is my favourite composer. His music has an unsurpassed emotional depth. Other thing that I love is that it feels like being in nature, flows like the wind or a stream. And he did love being in nature and putting that inyo music. Once, I heard someone say that he hated that Mahler never closed his cadences. Then I understood how Mahler gets the flow of music that I like so much. With respect to the timing of the Adagieto, I prefer about 10 minutes even if it was not Mahler's original intention.

[@robinhillyard6187]

Yes, the thing about Mahler’s music is that it always knows where it’s going. Phrases seamlessly flow into each other. Those cadences you mention are necessary for composers who don’t know how to join two phrases.

[@rivalconsoles_music]

Because it is deeply sensitive, tragic perfection.

[@NahreSol]

Beautifully put!

[@mas3974]

Interpretation is so important in music and your explanation makes it so clear.

[@artistlovepeace]

Your lectures and videos are astonishing and very educational. Thank you for caring about music and sharing it with the world.

[@NahreSol]

Thank you kindly!!

[@ellaritter]

This is not music, this is poetry orchestrated. It is as if each chord sang a word, encompassing a confession said out loud. That was Mahler's genius.

[@swampselkie]

This was so good - I'd love to hear more of your thoughts about Mahler!

[@NahreSol]

Thank you!!! I think I will cover more in the future…

[@gabrieldodin185]

May your work never ends! You cannot imagine how helpful, inspiring and interesting your videos are🌟

[@bluetortilla]

Mahler was a beautiful, wondrous human being.

[@snabeyratne]

Thank you for this wonderful presentation. It blew my mind. You're truly a gifted communicator. This is the best hands-on interpretation I've encountered of Mahler's immortal adagietto. God bless you.

[@mlebron20]

Thank you for such a clear exposition of a complex topic. It’s not easy. Bravo. Keep up the good work!

[@NealFox]

I love your videos. Always learn a lot from them.

[@NahreSol]

Thank you so much!!

[@pnbass]

Cool video for me being a jazzy Mahler freak…. ‘still my all time fave is Mahler 9 …especially 4th movement….that one is a great song… used to play a arrangement with some NYC jazz greats…. They all loved that one.

[@andersvinnefors5891]

Mahlers No. 9, 4:th movement and the adagietto (symphony 5) gives me a similar impression of inner peace, longing and sadness when the music dies out. These two movements are enough to consider Mahler a true genius.

[@ashwinrebbapragada7626]

Excellent breakdown and analysis of Mahler. Thank you.

[@davidmurphy9329]

Great, as usual! I just finished reading. Absolutely On music by Haruki Murakami. It's conversations with the conductor Seiji Ozawa. They discuss the genius in mahler's first symphony. Also I hope sometime Nahre can meet the violinist Scott Yoo and appear in the excellent American PBS program great performances: now hear this.

[@NahreSol]

Thank you for your comment and suggestions!

[@STORMWORKS]

A Beautiful tribute. Thank you!

[@anthonydhan]

The power of this movement hits you when you are suddenly presented with this masterpiece after three movements of emotional roller coaster and turmoil. What hits you is the peace that come from accepting one’s fate, that your life is full of loss and longing for what could have been…

[@timbruer7318]

I've heard many people sing Mahler's praises over the years, but haven't really explored his music. This is an excellent video which has definitely inspired me to investigate him further.

[@julioalvarez3788]

What you do on KZbin is awesome. Thank you.

[@phyzygy]

Thank you, Professor, for this insightful, engaging presentation.

[@NahreSol]

Thank you so much!!

[@jameswood4344]

A beautiful commentary. Thank you, especially for the point you make about its similarity to opera arias.

[@4thArmoredVet]

This is a brilliant analysis. This is why I follow you, I learn something every time 🙏🕊&❤

[@NahreSol]

I appreciate that so much!!

[@franciscospesia5267]

My favorite Mahler symphony of all times (and my favorite symphony in general) is the third. I feel it’s like hearing the universe be created. While I really love this adagietto, for me the most sublime slow movement is the third symphony finale. I really hope you could make a video on that symphony some day!

[@felixavenarius73]

What an insightful and inspiring analysis of Mahler`s masterpiece!

[@NahreSol]

Thank you!!

[@blackie-jm9tr]

Excellent description and explanation of this wonderful piece of music, thank you very much. It makes me enjoy it even more.

[@Jasper_the_Cat]

Just bar 3 of Mahler's 9th last movement tells me everything I ever needed to know about his mastery of harmonic tension and release. He could have made that so vanilla by using F7 flat 13 into Fmin7 and it would still have been pretty enough, but the F min/maj 7 #5 into Fmin7 crushes my soul into a million pieces - I just want to cry with Mahler and give him a big hug.

[@NahreSol]

Thank you for the insights!!

[@Alexagrigorieff]

Just like Beethoven does in Das Lebewohl (Les Adieux) sonata. It's the "wohl" chord.

[@frankcastella2984]

​@@Alexagrigorieff what's is a wohl chord?

[@Alexagrigorieff]

@@frankcastella2984 Beethoven writes "Le-be-wohl' over the first three chords. "wohl' is over the third chord.

[@Jasper_the_Cat]

@@NahreSol welp I went back and listened to it closely again and I think I was a bit off because I think now maybe it's F min/maj 7 #5 into F min 7 ??? (before the F# maj) but the fact remains it's got that heartbreaking dissonance. Lol. Oh well I guess it sounded kinda jazzy to me.

[@AmalijaKomar]

Love Mahler. Bernstein interpretation is the most important to me. The favorite is the no. 9. I'm glad to find your channel. Love classical music.

[@arthurmee]

Nahre, you make such wonderful, informative, and inspiring videos. Thank you.

[@jaystebley6350]

I was fortunate to know and speak with musicians who knew Alma Mahler: Klaus Pringsheim and Georg Cleve. Both confirm that Alma was an imperious egoist who, in the last analysis, used Mahler's name and reputation to enhance her own - and only after Gropius and Werfel passed. We owe her something (she lived until the 1960's) for showing up, for beating the drum if only for her part in Mahler's legacy. Bernstein told me she never understood Mahler, being more occupied with the difference in their ages. Poor Mahler. Let's not forget he was a magnificent musician.

[@ooops372]

... and a workaholic. And they both had sorrow with the dying very young daughter. Alma was 19 years younger, so this was conflictuous by nature. She was a composer before marriage and Gustav did not want her to continue that. - To not have understood Gustav would have been to 999.993 of 1 Million the same so she can not be blamed for that.

[@earthlightsmusic2743]

Mahler is mystical, and this movement in particular. ^___^

[@NahreSol]

☺️👏🏻

[@marialuizasaboiasaddi2160]

❤

[@inotmark]

Mahler was the first to perform the Adagietto separated from the symphony. According to Mengelberg both Gustav and Alma spoke to him of the love song aspect of the piece. It is clearly and obviously a love song, but you can't see that from the piano reduction you are using: it omits the most important notes in the piece. For example the first cadence is from an Am7 chord to Fmaj7. etc.

[@dukeengine1339]

I'm discovering Mahler little by little, this video helps me understanding. Thank you Nahre 🙏🏻🌞

[@NahreSol]

I’m so glad, thank you so much!!

[@timontran4728]

Thanks for talking about this piece. I have always loved a song that can be easily humming.

[@ahmadsaeid]

your videos are always a treat. please keep them coming!

[@willemvanderroest6215]

I am delighted by your thoughtful comments on a lot of pieces of music. I am now pondering on love as an up-tempo depression and vice versa ... and I am not ironical here ...😘

[@gljamil]

Thanks for the reflections, so clear. As other people say here, I do not have a theoretical musical fundamentals background knowledge, this way your analysis is accessible and allows more joyful moments when listening to this masterpiece.

[@kennethfaught8754]

Splendid! You have greatly enhanced my listening. Thank-you. 👍

[@JohnCavicchio]

Thank you for sharing, very much appreciated

[@NahreSol]

Thank you back!!

[@Soundgear4]

Narhe always has an interesting perspective on things!👌

[@NahreSol]

Thank you!!

[@shelterit]

Mahler is a conundrum wrapped in musical genius. For me, his opening movement of his second symphony (the resurrection) is all the music I'll every need, it is pure perfection. Listen to Dudamel's electric interpretation at the BBC proms a few years ago, it's just beyond description how good it is

[@Stephen-dm2cj]

Thank you so much for this! This is the analysis I need right now, today, as I work on a story about a musician dealing with this particular music. I think the character's thoughts on it parallel yours here. She focuses on the twin emotions of melancholy and joy, together or competing, going full Romance with her experience. While familiar with Mahler's works as a music student decades ago, I've rekindled my interest and gone deeper into his music recently and your video is a clarifying lesson.

[@d_lydian]

Thanks for the video, this is brilliant! The Adagietto from the 5th is my absolute favourite piece of music, I know of nothing more beautiful. Leonard Bernstein's version with the Vienna Philharmonic from 1988 is the most wonderful and moving interpretation for me, it lasts twice as long as Gustav's premiere and his own interpretation. On Friday I will hear the 5th for the first time live from the Vienna Philharmonic. 😍

[@paullewis6213]

Fascinating and insightful- thank you for the wonderful storytelling on a work of genius

[@oldmanandthesea7039]

I long have had the impression that Mahler’s music is like “War and Pease” of Tolstoy. Now I understand why: delayed resolution! I am now a susbriber to your channel. Good job!

[@musicalme27]

*peace*

[@itamarferreiradecarvalho487]

A primeira vez que ouvi Mahler foi a primeira sinfonia. Tinha uns vinte anos. Detestei ! Mas continuei a ouvir o disco que havia comprado. Me apaixonei pela música, conheci as outras sinfonias de Mahler, passei a vir mais cedo do trabalho pra ouvir Mahler. Tornei- me mahleriano. Mahler continua sendo, aos 78 , um dos meus compositores favoritos.

[@speedystriper]

Roger Waters, the founding member of Pink Floyd, put the adagietto of the Mahler 5th on his list of 10 favorite songs. It was played on the sound system before the beginning of performances on his Dark Side of the Moon tour a number of years ago. People in the audience were digging it and asking what piece of music it was. Most were rock fans with little knowledge of classical music.

[@ferenc_l]

I've been waiting for this video from you for ages! Thank you Nahre 🎉

[@NahreSol]

Thank you!!! 😄

[@denise2169]

Nahre, I’m always so happy to see one of your analyses. You make so much understanding to music! I have loved the Adagietto for a long time, and I’m glad you have given us this deeper look at a piece, as you said, is so “sublime”! I love to listen to Abbado’s version from Lucerne!

[@eottoe2001]

His music is intensely accessible but intellectual at the same time. In the 70s all the symphonic music that was pushed was atonal and music with tone, harmonies, and cording was put aside. However, Mahler's music was just "deep" or complex -- in fact, it was deeper, it couldn't be overlooked. (I'm not anti-atonal music but Mahler's music is so sophisticated, it was hard to dismiss it then, now, and in the future.) TY for the video. You have taught us so much. Peace.

[@jmsiqueiros499]

Wow, your analysis takes the music to a whole new, deep level of experience and understanding. Thank you :)

[@marionadler1110]

Thank you for your succinct and fascinating exploration of this well-know beautiful music - the variations in tempi is one thing I will be more alert to! As you say it is the layering of the instrumentation that is so captivating, - manages to be simultaneously mysterious and yet full of deep human connection

[@laurielyon7740]

That was WONDERFUL. Explanatory and insightful. I’m hooked!

[@gfweis]

Superb presentation. I learned a lot. Many thanks.

[@anitagendler3812]

This was amazing and I learned a great deal about this particular movement that I adore! Thank you so much! ❤

[@adriancahun]

This is so beautiful, I just bought my first piano and I love your videos, thank you for introducing this to my knowledge, I find it very interesting and I'll play with this a lot! I love it!!

[@trump3c]

Thank you for this video. This is the best explanation of this movement I've seen. I haven't thought about these things in quite a while. You covered a lot of material in 11 minutes. You're wonderful.

[@Chromexus]

I love this piece but I have had the most profound experiences with Der Abschied and the final movement of the 9th. It is the deep end of the pool for sure. Tilson Thomas and the SF did a 9th for the ages in Ann Arbor 10 or 12 years ago ( although certainly the Abbado with Lucerne holds a special place) and Horenstein's live Das Lied should not be missed. The right expression of these pieces, including this one, can send a listener to a different place. As his biographer De La Grange said ;" no one has written music that is more beaituful thatn the final movement of the 9th. Some may have written music as beautiful but no one has written anything better". It was true when he said it and remains so.

[@WitchLuna7]

My favorite piece from him it's probably the Adagio from the unfinished 10th Symphony. It's so dissonant (for his style) yet so beautiful.

[@e.conboy4286]

Lovely discussion, thank you!

[@reeddillingham2401]

Really appreciate the detailed examination of this famous piece. Thank you!

[@sdorr]

Lovely and well-articulated commentary, NS! Please keep up the good work!

[@stevereade4858]

Nice point about pacing and ... pausing, esp interpretations @18 mins! As a visual artist, I am intensely aware of two art forces: contrast and negative space. We all understand contrast as the (possible) engine of any/all art - it pulls us in. But, negative space - the "open" space around the subject (or sub-subjects) that can either diminish the subject (crowding it or overwhelming it) or offsetting it like the branches that support and hold a diamond on a wedding ring. The pauses, the negative spaces, in Mahler's magnificent Adagietto expand the rather simple lyric lines and give them breath and grace, but also catch us unaware when the dark minor key treatment (another form of contrast) enters. Debussy said that music is what happens BETWEEN (my emphasis) the notes. Mahler's Adagietto is a master class on negative space in music.

[@kenelliott8944]

I'm familiar w/ this work and I really appreciated your insightful thoughts. I had always been curious about some of the aspects of this that make it so hauntingly beautiful. You hit the nail on the head!! Thx!!

[@t8br00k36]

Great video. Thanks. Both my grandfather and father’s favourite piece of music.

[@christophschumacher637]

Oh Nahre, you are such a wonderful teacher!

[@daveo2431]

Thanks for the analysis. Of course as such a popular piece, this piece has been frequently analyzed, but with advanced theory; it's always good to bring it to simpler understanding. I also like how you mention the styles and approaches of composers, sometimes it's hard to exactly describe their specific styles (beyond the known eras of Baroque, Classical, Romantic, etc.).

[@meditation-musicale]

Excellent, very lucid, and most inspiring. Well done,Thank you

[@parfenyj]

Your first point reminded me of similar "holding back" moments in the middle movement of Ravel's Piano Concerto in G. (Which is simply lovely!)

[@lj291261]

Just listen to his symphonies and be amazed - the GREATEST SYMPHONIC COMPOSER OF ALL TIMES! Monstrous masterpieces!

[@fawkes2109]

Well - he's not.

[@drcool56]

OMG i was singing this adagietto to myself, riding on the water this afternoon and thinking how lucky I was ❤ and then… your vid!

[@Hailstormand]

The first time I heard this it was in a cassette from a relatively cheap magazine. The orchestra, however, played so wonderfully that it still made an impact to me when played on a normal cassette player. The adagio was beautiful, and the final movement was a brilliant release.

[@Solituder11]

I love the 1st movement of his 5th Symphony most

[@natsdad5240]

It is great. Would suggest the 1st movement of his 9th symphony. Another gem.

[@musical_lolu4811]

5:34 on the subject of making you wait, Malher doesn't resolve this idea until the final movement where he finally puts a PAC on it. I also recognise the use of the m7th downward leap by Alan Menken in the song 'Out There' for the _Hunchback_ movie. The stuff of high drama for sure.

[@oasismike2]

Thank you for elucidating. Just today I learned of Frank Zappa's piece called, "Approximate," where each musician's notes Only establish a framework but they all play whatever they wanted. That's at the extreme end of how classical writers have left space in the past for, "interpretation," but from your description I'd like to imagine some linkage.

[@sbingham1979]

This is an excellent analysis, beautifully done.

[@waynejrice]

Wonderful explication. I haven't thought through that level of analysis in many years. I took a graduate level course in music school in which we analyzed only Mahler Symphony Nos. 1, 2, and a bit of 5. I actually wrote a paper about the fourth movement of Mahler 2 ("Urlicht") that took longer to read than the movement took to play. I have always enjoyed your work and really appreciate learning something different about a piece I have loved for 40 years.

[@anthonyryan8231]

I believe that the "holding back" pulls you into the music. An analogy is similar to fading sound of Tibetan bells that fade and pulls into there depth nothingness/ All Ness. Which is where creativity is born.

[@DorothyOzmaLover]

Insightful analysis which enlightens and inspires just like Nahre making her a treasure!

[@rocketpost1]

Very interesting Nahre. Your analysis of this piece of music was excellent. I don't know much about classical music but I was pulled in by your video title. Thanks for the free education.

[@robbes7rh]

The movement is unabashedly sensual, tender, and seems to encapsulate the complexity of human emotion in its quest for love and happiness. Mauhler’s willingness to linger in tonal ambiguity definitely appeals to our modern (now post-modern?) sensibilities. Kudos on doing an analysis of pieces that musicologists might assail because they are beloved and “misinterpreted” by the popular imagination.

[@leslieackerman4189]

Nahre, when you hear Mengelberg’s version, it is faster…8 minutes versus the typical 11. Then, it is not a dirge full of sadness but a song of love!. (As it should be, for Alma) Mengelberg was a friend of Mahler, he heard him conduct this piece. I love that it can be tragic, but I also love that it is such serenade.. There is so much Mahler to love. And your video is excelent!

[@hectorpascal]

Many thanks for this quick analysis of an outstanding piece of music. In a way it is sad that it has been orphaned from its original musical "setting", but it certainly can stand on its own. The process of composing fascinates me, and I'd love to know the order in which Mahler composed the movements of the symphony - especially whether the theme of the Adagietto had been conceived before the rest of the work.