Description
You may be unaware (as was I) that there were originally 5 movements in Mahler’s First Symphony. “Blumine” was originally the 2nd movement, but was later removed as part of Mahler’s re-working. It then vanished off the radar for quite a long time.
These days, very occasionally, you get a performance that includes this missing movement. Yet although I’ve played his First Symphony many times, I confess I’ve never played “Blumine” – ever!
And yet it is wonderful. There is no angst or tension, just flowing melodies and a sense of calm and wonder at nature in harmony.
And I think it makes a perfect viola sextet, fitting the viola timbre like a glove. Oh, and it’s not difficult to play either. 6 mins. M