Martin O’Leary: Brian and Mahler: four symphonies in comparison 1

The best way of comparing and contrasting the symphonic writing of Mahler and Brian is to see how each went about composing works with an overall factor in common: in the first instance, a general mood of tragedy; in the second, a progression from minor to major. The individuality of both composers emerges clearly. Although they differ greatly, something can be learned from the manner in which they differ. As representatives of “tragic symphonies”, I choose Mahler’s Sixth and Brian’s Eighth, and as minor-to-major works Brian’s Ninth and Mahler’s Seventh. ²