harpcolumn

News

Extras

Listings

The Print Edition

Subscribe

harpcolumn

Mahler sym #6, 4th movement
Return to forums

Log in to your Harp Column account to post or reply in the forums. If you don’t have an account yet, you’ll need to email us to set one up.

Home › Forums › How To Play › Mahler sym #6, 4th movement

Viewing 2 posts - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • March 15, 2026 at 11:02 am #490568
    Eugene
    Participant

    I have a question about Symphony No. 6 (Mahler), 4th movement.

    How should the marking “mediator” be played on the harp?

    For example:
    – one note(one measure after rehearsal 104)
    – chord(12 measures before rehearsal 105)

    When I watch performances on YouTube, I hear a somewhat unusual, ringing or dry(attacking)sound. It almost sounds like it might be played with the fingernail.

    Could you please explain how this passage is typically played?

    Thank you very much.

    March 15, 2026 at 2:31 pm #490611
    balfour-knight
    Participant

    Hello Eugene,

    In harp notation, the term “mediator” (or sometimes “plectrum”) is an instruction calling for the harpist to use a pick or plectrum to pluck the strings instead of their fingers.

    Hope this helps.
    Cheers,
    Balfour

  • Author
    Posts
Viewing 2 posts - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.

Recent Replies