Mahler Symphony No. 6 - 1st Movement - Listening Guide
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The first movement, which for the most part has the character of a march, features a motif consisting of an A major triad turning to A minor over a distinctive timpani rhythm. The chords are played by trumpets and oboes when first heard, with the trumpets sounding most loudly in the first chord and the oboes in the second. This motif, which some commentators have linked with fate, reappears in subsequent movements.
The first movement also features a soaring melody which the composer\\u2019s wife, Alma Mahler, claimed represented her. This melody is often called the \\u201cAlma theme\\u201d. A restatement of that theme at the movement\\u2019s end marks the happiest point of the symphony.
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A listening guide of Symphony No. 6 - 1st Movement with Lew Smoley from ClassicalPodcasts.com.