Morehead State University
The Programmatic Use of Trombone in Gustav Mahler’s Symphonies and its Impact on Related Performance Practice
Institution
Morehead State University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Jeanie Lee
Abstract
The symphonic music of Gustav Mahler is programmatic; the music tells a story through the use and manipulation of motivic material. Numerous concert-goers and musicians alike have been enthralled, inspired, and confused as to the programmatic meaning of Mahler’s symphonies. Once the musician’s role in the program is understood, the performer can interpret and express the music more effectively, which can be more clearly appreciated by listeners. The purpose of this study is to examine eight of Mahler’s symphonies to offer an interpretation of the trombone’s programmatic role. The scope of the project will include Mahler’s nine complete symphonies, with the exception of Symphony No. 4, which does not call for trombone. Initially, the project will include research of existing programmatic interpretations, study of full scores, and analytical listening of commercial recordings. After completion of these studies, the project will include practice and performance of excerpts from these symphonies with the applied knowledge culminating in a presentation at Posters-at-the-Capitol 2007.
The Programmatic Use of Trombone in Gustav Mahler’s Symphonies and its Impact on Related Performance Practice
The symphonic music of Gustav Mahler is programmatic; the music tells a story through the use and manipulation of motivic material. Numerous concert-goers and musicians alike have been enthralled, inspired, and confused as to the programmatic meaning of Mahler’s symphonies. Once the musician’s role in the program is understood, the performer can interpret and express the music more effectively, which can be more clearly appreciated by listeners. The purpose of this study is to examine eight of Mahler’s symphonies to offer an interpretation of the trombone’s programmatic role. The scope of the project will include Mahler’s nine complete symphonies, with the exception of Symphony No. 4, which does not call for trombone. Initially, the project will include research of existing programmatic interpretations, study of full scores, and analytical listening of commercial recordings. After completion of these studies, the project will include practice and performance of excerpts from these symphonies with the applied knowledge culminating in a presentation at Posters-at-the-Capitol 2007.