Composer

:

Gustav Mahler

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

Feb 10, 1892

First Performance

:

Oct 27, 1893

Average_duration

:

8:50

"Das himmlische Leben" is a song composed by Gustav Mahler as the fourth and final movement of his Symphony No. 4 in G major. The symphony was composed between 1899 and 1900, and the premiere was conducted by the composer himself in Munich on November 25, 1901. The song is based on a text from "Des Knaben Wunderhorn," a collection of German folk poems and songs. The text describes a child's vision of heaven, where there is an abundance of food, music, and joy. The child imagines being served by Saint Peter himself, and playing with angels in a meadow. The music of "Das himmlische Leben" is light and playful, with a simple melody and a waltz-like rhythm. The orchestration is delicate, featuring solo violin, flute, and harp, as well as a children's choir. The song is sung by a soprano, who embodies the child's voice in the text. The song begins with a gentle introduction, featuring the solo violin and harp. The soprano enters with the first verse, singing of the abundance of food in heaven. The second verse describes the music of heaven, with the children's choir joining in to sing of the angels playing their instruments. The third verse describes the child's play with the angels in the meadow, and the song ends with a joyful coda. Overall, "Das himmlische Leben" is a charming and whimsical song, evoking the innocence and wonder of childhood. It is a fitting conclusion to Mahler's Symphony No. 4, which explores themes of innocence, nature, and spirituality.

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