Composer

:

Gustav Mahler

Genre

:

Symphony

Style

:

Symphony

Compose Date

:

1908 - 1909

Publication Date

:

1911 - 1912

First Performance

:

Nov 20, 1911

Average_duration

:

61:51

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Gustav Mahler's 'Das Lied von der Erde' (The Song of the Earth) is a symphonic work composed between 1908 and 1909. It was premiered in Munich on November 20, 1911, conducted by Bruno Walter. The work is divided into six movements, each featuring a solo voice or voices accompanied by a large orchestra. The first movement, 'Das Trinklied vom Jammer der Erde' (The Drinking Song of Earth's Misery), is a lively and energetic song that sets the tone for the entire work. The second movement, 'Der Einsame im Herbst' (The Lonely One in Autumn), is a melancholic song that features a solo tenor accompanied by a rich orchestral texture. The third movement, 'Von der Jugend' (Of Youth), is a lively and playful song that celebrates the joys of youth. The fourth movement, 'Von der Schönheit' (Of Beauty), is a hauntingly beautiful song that features a solo alto accompanied by a delicate orchestral texture. The fifth movement, 'Der Trunkene im Frühling' (The Drunkard in Spring), is a frenzied and chaotic song that captures the wild and unpredictable nature of spring. The final movement, 'Der Abschied' (The Farewell), is a deeply emotional and introspective song that features a solo tenor accompanied by a sparse and ethereal orchestral texture. 'Das Lied von der Erde' is characterized by Mahler's use of rich orchestration, complex harmonies, and a wide range of musical styles and influences. The work is also notable for its themes of mortality, nature, and the human condition, which are explored through the poetry of Chinese poets Li Bai and Wang Wei. Overall, 'Das Lied von der Erde' is a powerful and moving work that showcases Mahler's mastery of the symphonic form and his ability to convey complex emotions through music.

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