# Mahler, Symphony No. 10 in F-sharp major

The unaccompanied viola line that opens the Adagio, the whole section alone, unsupported, at a very slow tempo.

## About the excerpt

- **Composer:** Gustav Mahler

- **Work:** Symphony No. 10 in F-sharp major

- **Movement:** I. Adagio

- **Era:** Late-Romantic (c. 1880–1910)

- **Composed:** 1910

- **Clef:** Alto clef

- **Difficulty:** Audition

- **Audition list:** Standard excerpt

## Bowing

Long, sustained bows with imperceptible changes. Any bump breaks a line that is already fragile.

## Where it goes wrong

There is no harmony underneath, so intonation has no external reference. This is the excerpt where a drone in practice pays for itself.

## Style

Searching and unsettled rather than warm. The line wanders deliberately; do not resolve it prematurely.

## Techniques

symphony, audition, exposed, unaccompanied, lyrical

This public reference contains work information and original practice notes. It does not publish the excerpt notation or grant permission to copy a score. Score access and rights depend on the edition and jurisdiction.

## Related excerpts

- [Strauss: Don Juan, opening](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/viola/strauss-don-juan-viola), The standard opening request at viola auditions. Fast, high, and written in a register where the viola has to project without turning thin. Audition; Late-Romantic; Alto clef. Standard audition excerpt.
- [Strauss: Don Quixote, Sancho Panza solo](https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/viola/strauss-don-quixote-viola), The extended solo viola part representing Sancho Panza. Standard at principal viola auditions and a test of character playing. Audition; Late-Romantic; Alto clef. Standard audition excerpt.

Canonical source: https://arcosounds.com/repertoire/viola/mahler-10-adagio-viola