Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde (new version)

Featuring

Hansjörg Albrecht
Sibylla Rubens
Renée Morloc
Markus Schäfer
Markus Eiche
Münchener Bach-Orchester

Gustav Mahler

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Composition History

Gustav Mahler began composing Das Lied von der Erde in 1908/09, marking the start of his late creative period.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Mahler considered Das Lied von der Erde his most personal work, stating, "I believe that this is the most personal work I have ever made."

Composer Biography

Mahler started composing Das Lied von der Erde after experiencing several personal tragedies, including the death of his daughter and a serious heart ailment diagnosis.

Interpretation

This recording features four soloists (soprano, alto, tenor, baritone) for Das Lied von der Erde, returning to Mahler's initial idea of flexible vocal assignments.

Historical Context

The Munich premiere of Das Lied von der Erde in 1911 was conducted by Bruno Walter after Mahler's death.

Interpretation

The conductor Hansjörg Albrecht created a new chamber orchestra version of Das Lied von der Erde, aiming to be closer to Mahler's original sound ideal than previous arrangements.

Composition History

Mahler was inspired to set the texts of Hans Bethge's collection of ancient Chinese poetry, Die chinesische Flöte, to music during a period of depression and fear of death.