Mahler: Symphony no.2

The composition of Mahler's Second Symphony took six years, starting life as a symphonic poem 'Totenfeier' completed in 1888. In 1890 Mahler added additional movements, completing what had become his Second Symphony in 1894. The opening movement, which was previously the symphonic poem, depicts the funeral march of the hero who died at the conclusion of the First Symphony.

The following movements depict periods in the hero's life, setting words from Des Knaben Wunderhorn, and the symphony ends with an apocalyptic setting of Klopstock, to which Mahler added the line 'I shall die in order to live.' The symphony ends with a blaze of glorious sound with the soloist, chorus, orchestra, including organ. A performance of this work is a profoundly moving experience, some would say a shattering experience, such is its sheer emotional power. This performance from the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra led by Sir Donald Runnicles was recorded live in Edinburgh's Usher Hall on 1 March 2026 and was an unforgettable concert.