Revelation 1:9-18
Mahler's Second Symphony
Happy Resurrection Sunday!
For devos today we will listen to the 4th and 5th movement of Gustav Mahler’s Second Symphony. Mahler is one of my favorite composers. For those of you who are not familiar with Mahler’s music, hee once stated, “A symphony must be like the world. It must contain everything.” And indeed they do. Mahler’s symphonies are notoriously long and have large orchestrations. The second movement is approximately 90 minutes long so that’s why we are just listening to the 4th and 5th movement.
The second symphony is nicknamed the “Resurrection” symphony, but it is not a sacred work. In fact, it could be called more humanistic. However, the themes represented are based around a search for answers to the dread of death, questioning life after death, immortal life, a conquering of death and so forth. Regardless of Mahler’s intentions about the piece, the music is glorious. It is worth it to listen all the way to the end and if you ever have the time to listen to the entire symphony I highly recommend it! You should not go through life without listening to this symphony.
I can’t listen to Mahler’s second symphony, especially the ending without thinking of this passage. Enjoy!
Revelation 1:9-18
'I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.” I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades,’ (emphasis added).
Revelation 1:9-18
More Info on Mahler and the Second Symphony
👉🏽 Here is a fun video explaining the work.
It is rumored that Gustav Mahler, who was Jewish, converted to Christianity at some point. It is unclear if it was for an advantageous reason or if it was sincere. Perhaps he found what he was looking for…