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Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde / Rattle, Kožená, Skelton, BRSO
BR Klassik

Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde / Rattle, Kožená, Skelton, BRSO

$19.99

Details

Composer
MAHLER, GUSTAV
Artist
Kozena, Skelton, Rattle
Format
CD
Label
BR Klassik
Released
Sep 07, 2018
Catalog #
BRK900172
UPC
4035719001723

About

Mahler’s "Das Lied von der Erde” (The Song of the Earth) is subtitled “A symphony for tenor, alto (or baritone) voice and orchestra". It examines the border between two different genres: the Lied, in its extended form as a song cycle, and the symphony. And as ever in Mahler’s music, that border is anything but black and white. The work certainly differs radically from a mere song cycle: the Lieder are permeated by symphonic techniques and some symphonic movements are built up from huge stanzas. Interludes expand to become development sections in which important things happen. Indeed, the thematic events take place in the orchestra, and, in a certain sense, the soloists also form a part of the interwoven orchestral texture. The sequence of movements also follows that of a symphony: In the weighty outer movements one clearly notices sonata form shining through the stanza structures, and symphonic processes are obviously taking place. Two inner movements take the place of the slow movement and sarcastic scherzo. The entire work is spanned by a taut arc, culminating – in accordance with the principle of intensification – in a huge final movement lasting as long as all the others together, and entitled Der Abschied (The Farewell). Here, Mahler is continuing the genre of the “Finale Symphony”, and the brightening of C minor to C major is even reminiscent of his usual apotheoses.

In this symphony, as in his others, Mahler wanted to "create a world using all existing technical means.” The formal design of the work is unique, and the demands it places on its performers are extreme. It requires two highly experienced Lied singers, who in combination with the huge orchestral apparatus have to be able to perform as soloists while blending into the symphonic structure as concert voices. An excellent and well-coordinated body of sound is needed here, and of course a highly competent conductor to ensure cohesion and to give spirit and soulfulness to such a large-scale work.

REVIEW

What is perhaps most immediately striking is the detail and brilliance of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra’s playing. Skelton makes a fine, handsome sound and offers something special in his moving reactions to the poetry. Kožená in her songs offers singing of supreme beauty. In fact, she sings almost too beautifully at times. Not a conventional Lied, perhaps, but a fascinating and beguiling one: highly recommended.

–Gramophone

Tracklist 6 tracks

  1. 1 I. Das Trinklied vom Jammer der Erde 08:15
    Track
    1
    Title
    I. Das Trinklied vom Jammer der Erde
    Duration
    08:15
    Composer
    Gustav Mahler
    Performer
    Stuart Skelton
    Ensemble
    Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks
    Conductor
    Sir Simon Rattle
  2. 2 II. Der Einsame im Herbst 09:38
    Track
    2
    Title
    II. Der Einsame im Herbst
    Duration
    09:38
    Composer
    Gustav Mahler
    Performer
    Magdalena Kožená
    Ensemble
    Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks
    Conductor
    Sir Simon Rattle
  3. 3 III. Von der Jugend 03:02
    Track
    3
    Title
    III. Von der Jugend
    Duration
    03:02
    Composer
    Gustav Mahler
    Performer
    Stuart Skelton
    Ensemble
    Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks
    Conductor
    Sir Simon Rattle
  4. 4 IV. Von der Schönheit 07:14
    Track
    4
    Title
    IV. Von der Schönheit
    Duration
    07:14
    Composer
    Gustav Mahler
    Performer
    Magdalena Kožená
    Ensemble
    Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks
    Conductor
    Sir Simon Rattle
  5. 5 V. Der Trunkene im Frühling 04:36
    Track
    5
    Title
    V. Der Trunkene im Frühling
    Duration
    04:36
    Composer
    Gustav Mahler
    Performer
    Stuart Skelton
    Ensemble
    Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks
    Conductor
    Sir Simon Rattle
  6. 6 VI. Der Abschied 31:29
    Track
    6
    Title
    VI. Der Abschied
    Duration
    31:29
    Composer
    Gustav Mahler
    Performer
    Magdalena Kožená
    Ensemble
    Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks
    Conductor
    Sir Simon Rattle