Mahler was inspired to compose Das Lied von der Erde after receiving a book titled The Chinese Flute, a collection of ancient Chinese poetry translated into German by Hans Bethge.
Compositional Technique
The final movement of Das Lied von der Erde, 'Der Abschied' (Departure), is nearly half the total duration of the entire work, varying between a funeral march and a hymn to earth's beauty.
Composer Biography
Mahler avoided calling Das Lied von der Erde his 'Ninth Symphony' due to a superstitious fear, as admired composers Ludwig van Beethoven and Anton Bruckner both died before completing ten symphonies.
Instruments
Schoenberg's arrangement of Das Lied von der Erde includes a harmonium, an instrument fashionable among late-romantic German-speaking composers, and he specified 'as large a harmonium as possible' with specific registers.
Compositional Technique
Arnold Schoenberg, a close acquaintance of Mahler, arranged Das Lied von der Erde for a smaller ensemble to allow it to be heard in more modest settings, a common practice before radio and recordings.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Mahler described Das Lied von der Erde as a symphony for tenor and alto (or baritone) and orchestra, despite its appearance as a song cycle.
Composition History
Gustav Mahler never heard his work Das Lied von der Erde performed, as its premiere took place six months after his death in 1911.
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