Symphony No. 7 (Mahler) - Instrumentation

Instrumentation

The symphony is scored for the following orchestra. As in some of his other symphonies (particularly his 5th, 6th symphonies), Mahler's interest in unconventional instruments in the orchestra is clearly shown in the scoring in this work, with usage of a tenor horn, cowbells, mandolin, and guitar.

Woodwinds
Piccolo
4 Flutes (4th doubling Piccolo 2)
3 Oboes
Cor anglais (English Horn)
Clarinet in E-flat
3 Clarinets in A and B♭
Bass Clarinet in A and B♭
3 Bassoons
Contrabassoon
Brass
4 Horns in F
Tenorhorn in B♭
3 Trumpets in B♭ and F
3 Trombones
Tuba
Percussion
Timpani
Bass Drum
Snare Drum
Cymbals
Triangle
Tam-tam
Cowbells
Tambourine
Rute (To be played on the shell of bass drum)
Glockenspiel
Tubular bells
Strings
Mandolin
Guitar
2 Harps
Violins I, II
Violas
Violoncellos
Double Basses

Mahler's specification of a 'Tenorhorn' in the scoring of this work has often caused confusion. In Britain, the name 'tenor horn' is often given to the instrument that in the US is called the alto horn (in E♭ or F); in Germany this (a contralto saxhorn) is known as the Althorn in Es or F, and is not the instrument requested by Mahler. Nor does Mahler intend a euphonium, which in German is called either 'Euphonium' or 'Baryton'. The German Tenorhorn is actually a B♭ instrument similar to the instrument known in Britain and the USA as the 'baritone'.

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