When playing Mahler's Symphony No. 2?

[Ludain]

It's a slightly stupid question. When playing Mahler's Symphony No. 2. Does Bass Trombone also need a mute? There's no sign that it's necessary in the score.

[EdwardSolomon]

There are two bass trombones in Mahler 2: Trombone 3 and Trombone 4. Trombone 3 requires a mute, but Trombone 4 does not.

[Ludain]

There are two bass trombones in Mahler 2: Trombone 3 and Trombone 4. Trombone 3 requires a mute, but Trombone 4 does not.

Thank you. The mute broke, so I was wondering if I should buy it thanks to the performance.

[BGuttman]

Depending on how the mute broke, you may be able to fix it. New corks can be made and glued into place. I've pushed out dents in aluminum mutes with a wooden rod. I've even glued back a wooden bottom from a Tone Color. If your mute is a cup, it's the wrong kind for playing in Symphony, where we use the pear shaped mute.