The Search for Redemption and Eternal Life Mahler did not give his symphony the “Resurrection” subtitle, but the theme was present from the work's inception—so present that he even initially considered including a narrative program around the vicissitudes of life and death.

A symphony is made up of four sections called movements. Each movement follows its own structure or format. The first uses a quick tempo and follows sonata-allegro form; the second is slower and more lyrical; the third is a minuet or scherzo and the final movement often uses sonata-allegro form.

In particular, a sonata is for one or two instruments, whereas a symphony is for full orchestra.

Of the work, Finnish conductor and highly-acclaimed interpreter of Sibelius, Osmo Vänskä, explained its significance. “The second symphony is connected with our nation's fight for independence, but it is also about the struggle, crisis and turning-point in the life of an individual,” Vänskä said.