Voice, Ground and the Construction of Space in Gustav Mahler's Third Symphony

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2010

Journal / Book Title

Naturlaut

Abstract

In this study, I investigate the ways that a phenomenological approach can help us interpret the historical impact of Mahler’s orchestration. The post horn section from the third movement of his Third Symphony has been often characterized as a moment “outside” time. I propose that this effect of being a-temporal is largely wrought by the timbral and rhythmic properties that work collectively to impact the spatial design of Mahler’s passage. Thinking spatially about Mahler’s music productively balances the historical critique of his musical contributions, which have overwhelmingly emphasized pitch and thematic (dis)continuities.

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