Mike Leghorn wrote:

>As I was recently rediscovering the Seventh Symphony, I decided that I
>like the outer movements much better than the inner three -- which strike
>me as a trivial and self-indulgent.  As great as the sixth is, I feel
>that Mahler built upon his experience from the first movement of the
>Sixth to produce something better in the Seventh. ...

I don't do this.  In fact, I think his first, fifth, sixth, seventh,
and ninth symphonies are just about perfect as is.  However, I do find
the breaks in some of his other symphonies for a "quickie song" annoying
in the extreme, so I simply program these short movements out.  These
symphonies flow much better for me, and so I enjoy them much more.  I
wouldn't necessarily impose my preferences on anyone else, but I certainly
am glad I can make these edits for myself.

Dave
http://www.classical.net/