Composer

:

Gustav Mahler

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

Aug 1901

Publication Date

:

1905

First Performance

:

Jan 29, 1905

Average_duration

:

5:29

"Der Tamboursg'sell in D minor" is a song composed by Gustav Mahler in 1901. It was premiered on January 20, 1902, in Vienna, with the composer conducting. The song is part of Mahler's collection of songs called "Des Knaben Wunderhorn" (The Youth's Magic Horn), which is based on a collection of German folk poems. The song is divided into three movements, with the first and third movements being in D minor and the second movement in D major. The first movement is marked "Sehr einfach und schlicht wie eine Volksweise" (Very simple and plain like a folk song) and is characterized by a simple melody and accompaniment. The second movement is marked "Etwas tappisch und sehr derb" (Somewhat clumsy and very coarse) and features a more lively and rhythmic melody. The third movement is marked "Sehr einfach und schlicht wie eine Volksweise" (Very simple and plain like a folk song) and returns to the melody and accompaniment of the first movement. The song tells the story of a drummer boy who is conscripted into the army and sent off to war. He is initially excited to be a part of the military, but as he witnesses the horrors of war, he becomes disillusioned and longs to return home. The song ends with the drummer boy dying on the battlefield, with his last thoughts being of his home and loved ones. Mahler's use of folk poetry and simple melodies in "Der Tamboursg'sell in D minor" reflects his interest in the music of the common people and his desire to create music that was accessible to a wider audience. The song also showcases Mahler's skill in creating vivid musical narratives and his ability to evoke a range of emotions through his music.

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