Mahlers Hymnus

Abstract

The hymn section of Mahler's symphony no. 8 is composed as a sonata movement in which the experiences of the composer's previous vocal and instrumental symphonies play an integral part. These include the variation construction of the 'Wunderhorn' symphonies and the comprehensive sonata form of symphonies nos. 6 and 7. The course of the hymn's formal scheme puts into strong relief the action of the struggle in the spirit of Goethe. Themes push beyond the bounds of sections and metrical parity ratios; they are transformed through variation; they move toward each other in contrapuntal relationships, particularly in the double fugue. Energized by such thematic treatment, the sonata form throws into prominence stages in the fulfillment - which in fact have already been passed (the 'Accende' section). This musical course of events points to the metamorphosis Faust undergoes and bears witness to the transformation that the hymn text invokes.