Mahler’s Ninth Symphony is commonly regarded as his farewell to the world, even though he went out of his way to ensure it was not his final work in the form. It is full of unearthly tremors and sighs, but also hymn-like serenity and a great deal of mischief. It has an emotional complexity and richness that are striking even for Mahler. The work may be a commentary on death, as are many of Mahler’s compositions, but it is also an affirmation of life. The Ninth features the usual huge Mahler orchestra, but many sections have a chamber-like intimacy. The opening movement alternates an understated, sighing melody with an explosive, fateful fanfare. The two middle movements are wistful, sardonic, wildly colorful, and full of Viennese vernacular music. The symphony concludes with one of the composer’s most sublime slow movements, which gradually attenuates into a breathtaking fade-out.