Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the conductor on this album, has been Music Director of The Philadelphia Orchestra since 2012/13 and Principal Guest Conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra since 2008.
Compositional Technique
Mahler considered the voice in Das Lied von der Erde as an 'extra instrument' within the orchestral texture, rather than a primary melody carrier with accompaniment.
Compositional Technique
Das Lied von der Erde is a unique six-movement work for alternating tenor and mezzo-soprano soloists and orchestra, with the final movement being almost as long as the first five combined.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Mahler was drawn to the Chinese poems for their reflections on natural beauty, the transience of human existence, and the acceptance of death.
Composition History
Mahler began composing Das Lied von der Erde in 1908, after a period of personal trauma in 1907, including the death of his elder daughter and the discovery of his own heart condition.
Performer Biography
Sarah Connolly, the mezzo-soprano on this album, is particularly admired for her performances of Mahler's works, including his Symphonies No. 2 and 8.
Composition History
The text for Das Lied von der Erde comes from a collection of Chinese poems called 'Die chinesische Flöte' ('The Chinese Flute'), which were German adaptations by Hans Bethge.
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Mahler: Das lied von der Erde / Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen
