Customer Reviews

Symphonies Nos. 1 and 2 in Full Score (Dover Music Scores)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Among the things I look for in a score is the readability of the music itself. The larger the better, though smaller print is acceptable in most classical and earlier pieces and a few Romantic pieces. Not so in Mahler's gigantic symphonies. I feel that the score should be the full size of some of scores of his later symphonies (Dover). There were times where I had to squint or look twice to see the score properly.

That is my only problem with the score. These are two wonderful works and, unlike other composers, Mahler isn't beginning but nearing the peak of his symphonic powers with these "early" works.
This is score is wonderful for music lovers and students alike for it's accessibility and low price.

There is nothing special about the Mahler score in particular, aside for the fact that it is a masterpiece like all of Mahler's works. I discovered Dover Orchestral Scores when in college years ago. The were new to the market back then, but they provided a better alternative to those expensive mini-scores we were forced to use. For students learning about composers and their styles, learning and practicing conducting, and even for individual players trying to learn how their part fits in with the entire orchestra, Dover has consistently delivered a quality product at a price every music students can afford. The print is large, clear and accurate, and easy to read, just right to go on a music stand allowing you to play along

Good price on scores, readable and fairly well laid out on the page. It still doesn't quite lay flat like advertised, but I've never known a book that could lay completely flat.

I received the score 2-3 weeks ago. I can absolutely say that it's a must have, having read all the score and listened to both masterpieces once again while following it on the sheet music. Everything's clear, perfectly printed and at an unexpected price. There's nothing unnecessary that might confuse the musician, and everything necessary (as I said above) is in it.

But well, if you don't know German, you'd better have a dictionary while reading the score in detail :) (I guess the notes are originally by Mahler. After all, if you're curious about the issue, the preface gives info about the edition.)

Excellent, practical, and at a fantastic price. Includes all of Mahler's extensive annotations (albeit in German). Must have for any Mahler enthusiast.

The early symphonies of Gustav Mahler show the heavy influence of the works of Richard Wagner. The pastorale first movement of the Symphony No.1 in D Major, the Titan, is particularly noteworthy in the way Mahler paints with music. The movement slowly builds to a thunderous climax when the brass enter with resplendent glory. This is followed by two movements that are reminiscient of folk melodies--including the inverted, minor-mode theme from Frère Jacques. It is concluded with a thunderous finale. The second symphony in c minor continues a powerful motif that now adds the power of the human voice. The thunderous finale of this symphony brings together a massive orchestra with chorus. Imagine 10 French horns, 8 trumpets, 4 trombones and a tuba proclaiming a glorius finish. Definitely a wonderful buy!