I. Trauermarsch. In gemessenem Schritt. Streng. Wie ein Kondukt (Funeral March. With measured pace. Strict. Like a cortège)

The opening movement is an expansive Funeral March, launched by a solo trumpet. The March is at one point interrupted by an extended passage of extraordinary violence and despair. The mysterious final statement of the fanfare is capped by an emphatic, pizzicato chord.

II. Stürmisch bewegt. Mit grösster Vehemenz (Violently agitated. With the greatest vehemence)

According the Mahler, this is the true opening movement of the Symphony, with the preceding Funeral March serving as an introduction (echoes of the Funeral March do indeed return throughout). The movement opens with tremendous fury. Suddenly, the measured tread of the Funeral March reappears. The lengthy development features a stunning contrast of moods, concluding with the hint of a chorale that will return toward the end of the Symphony.