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Das Lied von der Erde

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description Das Lied von der Erde Overview

"Das Lied von der Erde" ("The Song of the Earth") is a large-scale symphonic work composed by Gustav Mahler between 1908 and 1909. The piece is structured in six movements, setting texts adapted from Hans Bethge's German translations of ancient Chinese poetry. It requires two soloists, typically a tenor and an alto or baritone, accompanied by a full symphony orchestra. Blending the structural scale of a symphony with the intimacy of an art song cycle, it serves as a defining work of late Romanticism.

help Das Lied von der Erde FAQ

What is the English translation of Mahler's 'Das Lied von der Erde'?

The title translates to 'The Song of the Earth.' Gustav Mahler composed this six-movement work between 1908 and 1909, blending the traditional symphonic form with the intimate style of a song cycle.

What texts inspired Gustav Mahler to compose Das Lied von der Erde?

The lyrics are adapted from Hans Bethge's German translation of ancient Chinese poetry, a collection titled 'The Chinese Flute.' Mahler was deeply moved by these texts following a period of intense personal tragedy in his life.

What vocal soloists are required for a performance of Das Lied von der Erde?

The symphony is scored for two solo voices: a tenor and an alto (often sung by a contralto or mezzo-soprano). The two voices alternate throughout the movements to convey the different emotional perspectives of the poetry.

Did Gustav Mahler ever hear Das Lied von der Erde performed live?

No, Gustav Mahler died in 1911 before the work ever received its public premiere. It was famously premiered posthumously in Munich later that same year under the baton of conductor Bruno Walter.

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