Composer

:

Gustav Mahler

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

Apr 1892 - Jun 1893

Publication Date

:

1899

First Performance

:

Jan 14, 1900

Average_duration

:

2:52

"Das irdische Leben" (The Earthly Life) is a song composed by Gustav Mahler in B-flat minor. It is the third song in his song cycle "Des Knaben Wunderhorn" (The Youth's Magic Horn), which is based on a collection of German folk poems. The song was composed in 1892 and premiered in Berlin in 1894. The song is divided into three distinct sections, each with its own character and mood. The first section is slow and mournful, with a simple melody that is repeated throughout the song. The second section is faster and more agitated, with a more complex melody that builds to a climax. The third section returns to the slow, mournful mood of the first section, but with a more resigned and accepting tone. The lyrics of the song tell the story of a poor mother and her starving child, who begs for bread but is ignored by the rich and powerful. The mother tries to comfort her child by telling him that they will soon be in heaven, where they will have plenty to eat and drink. The child responds by saying that he would rather stay on earth, where he can at least feel the warmth of the sun and the wind in his hair. The music of the song reflects the bleakness and despair of the lyrics, with its mournful melody and dark harmonies. Mahler uses a variety of musical techniques to create a sense of tension and drama, including sudden shifts in tempo and dynamics, unexpected harmonies, and dissonant chords. Overall, "Das irdische Leben" is a powerful and moving work that captures the pain and suffering of the poor and marginalized in society. It is a testament to Mahler's skill as a composer and his ability to convey complex emotions through music.

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