Okay Ladies and Gents...

[tpeacockiii]

I am taking a Research and Writing class here at CCM this summer. I need a paper topic. 10-12 pages. I wanted to do something dealing with the incorporation of the tuba into the orchestra, but couldn't find sources. I now toy with the idea of something dealing with Mahler's 9th Symphony (my fav.). Now I ask you people to brainstorm and help me

Comments

[kledus]

the use of lack of use of transcriptions for modern instruments.

[maestrokorn]

Here's something on the educational side.

Starting beginner tubist and transfering players from other instruments and the different techniques used to do so.

[deflatcb]

Two topics on Mahler spring to mind:

1) Stylistic comparison of Mahler's unfinished 10th to early works of the Second Viennese School. They're closer than one might think (that 9-note chord at the climax of the completed first movement is SO Schoenberg it's scary)....

2) Choice of tempo by various conductors in selected movements by Mahler (such as the first movement of 6 and the Adagietto of 5 - there are very different takes on how fast or slow to take these parts). Historically who is "right" or "wrong"?

...

[tpeacockiii]

Could I write 10 pages on the tempo of the adagietto?

That's tempting.

Re: ...

[deflatcb]

If you write 5 pages on each movement I listed above, you'll be fine.

Especially with the Adagietto, conductors tend to have a VERY different takes on tempo - performances range (I think) from 7 to 14 minutes!

What would Mahler have wanted (or early interpreters of his work) as far as tempo goes?

Re: ...

[tpeacockiii]

My thoughts are this. Talk about the general interpretations of Mahler's music and tempos. But really examine the adagietto and its transformation from a love song to Alma to a funeral work.