No, this is not in point of fact Mahler's Symphony No. 1 in D major as premiered under the composer in Berlin in 1896. It is Mahler's symphonic poem called Titan as premiered by the composer in Weimar in 1894. How different is the symphony from the symphonic poem? Aside from the titles of the movements -- the Scherzo of the symphony, for example, is called "Mit vollem Segeln" (Under full sail) in the symphonic poem -- they are not especially different. The symphonic poem is scored for slightly smaller forces than the symphony and there are several small differences in orchestration. The most significant difference is the symphonic poem's inclusion of an additional movement after the opening movement. The lightly lyrical "Blumine" movement, although charming enough on its own, was rightly dropped by the composer for the symphony's 1896 premiere.

This 2004 recording on Hungaroton with Zsolt Hamar leading the Pannon Philharmonic Orchestra is only the fifth recording of Mahler's Titan. Hamar's passionate interpretation and the Pannon's enthusiastic energy make the most of the work's dramatic structure. But Hamar lacks the concentration to hold the development sections of the outer movements together and the Pannon lacks the technique to nail all the notes and the ensemble to clarify the textures. While the small changes in scoring and the inclusion of the "Blumine" movement will make this disc mandatory listening for the Mahler aficionado, the hardcore Mahler maniac will already have an LP copy of Wyn Morris and the New Philharmonia's premiere recording of Mahler's Titan, 35 years old and still definitive. Hungaroton's sound is big, close, and loud, an unattractive combination.

Mahler: Symphony No. 1 in D major 'Titan'