Mahler meets Schubert

Mahler’s string-orchestra arrangement of Schubert’s fabulous string quartet was made in 1894 and this recording presents The Helsinki Strings and the Szilvays

Composer: Schubert, Mahler
Repertoire: Overture (Schubert); Death and the Maiden (arr. Mahler)
Artists: The Helsinki Strings/Csaba & Géza Szilvay
Rating: 4/5
Genre: Instrumental/Orchestral
Label: Finlandia 2564-60763-2

The arrangement was only partially played in 1894 and not premiered complete until 1984. As arrangements go it’s quite straight, emphasising the music’s dramatic element, which comes across strongly in this top-quality performance. Schubert’s early overture, based on the string quintet original, is an amazingly powerful statement from a composer aged 14.