The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conducted by former chief conductor Donald Runnicles, gave a persuasive performance of Mahler’s early cantata *Das Klagende Lied* at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall. The review praises its clear handling of the work’s abrupt shifts between comedy and tragedy, especially its dark fairytale plot in which a bridegroom has murdered his younger brother to win his bride.

Runnicles performed all three movements, restoring *Waldmärchen* while using Mahler’s later revisions, strengthening the case for the original structure. Soloists Kathleen O’Mara, Catriona Morison, John Findon and Nicholas Brownlee were effective, while the National Youth Choir of Scotland’s girls were singled out; the BBCSSO’s horns, led by Chris Gough, were particularly admired. The programme also included Schubert’s “Unfinished” Symphony, played with reduced strings and without a baton, balancing delicacy with romantic intensity.