Composer

:

Gustav Mahler

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Publication Date

:

1905

First Performance

:

Jan 29, 1905

Average_duration

:

2:48

"Ich atmet' einen linden Duft" is a song composed by Gustav Mahler in 1901. It is the third song in his song cycle "Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen" (Songs of a Wayfarer), which he composed between 1884 and 1885. The song cycle is based on Mahler's own poems, which tell the story of a young man who has been rejected by his beloved and is wandering through the countryside, experiencing various emotions along the way. The premiere of "Ich atmet' einen linden Duft" took place on November 16, 1901, in Berlin, with the composer conducting. The soloist was the baritone singer Anton Sistermanns. The song is in D major and has a moderate tempo. It is divided into three sections, each with a different mood and character. The first section is marked "Sehr mäßig" (very moderate) and is characterized by a gentle, lilting melody that evokes the scent of linden trees. The second section is marked "Etwas fließender" (somewhat flowing) and is more agitated, with a faster tempo and more complex harmonies. The third section returns to the mood of the first, with a slower tempo and a more peaceful melody. The lyrics of the song describe the protagonist's experience of smelling the scent of linden trees and being transported back to a time when he was happy with his beloved. The scent reminds him of the "golden time" when he and his beloved were together, and he longs to return to that time. However, he realizes that it is impossible and that he must continue on his journey alone. Overall, "Ich atmet' einen linden Duft" is a beautiful and poignant song that captures the bittersweet emotions of love and loss. Mahler's use of melody, harmony, and tempo effectively conveys the changing moods of the protagonist and the beauty of the natural world around him.

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