Das Lied von der Erde (The Song of the Earth) Gustav Mahler - New York Philharmonic
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Das Lied von der Erde (The Song of the Earth)
Gustav Mahler
T he horrified contemplation of death was a
central experience in Gustav Mahler’s life.
The subject weighed heavily on him as he
least initially, he imagined the work as being
performable in versions with the two solo-
ists and either orchestra or piano, the piano
composed Das Lied von der Erde (The Song of version being considered a full equal of the
the Earth). He had not begun to recover from orchestral setting rather than a poor relation.
the shock of his four-year-old daughter’s re- He did go on to compose a Ninth Symphony;
cent passing when, in the summer of 1907, fatefully, it would be his last, and his Tenth
his physicians informed him that he was remained an incomplete fragment.
suffering from a heart condition that would A friend had presented Mahler with Die
probably prove fatal. They advised him to chinesische Flöte (The Chinese Flute), a col-
give up all strenuous activity, including the lection of Chinese poems assembled and
conducting by which he earned his liveli- translated into German by Hans Bethge —
hood and the hiking from which he derived more accurately described as poetic para-
spiritual nourishment. He wrote to his friend phrases than literal translations of the T’ang
Bruno Walter: Dynasty texts. Their basic philosophy both
reflected Mahler’s death fears and offered a
At a single stroke, I have lost any calm and measure of consolation. The message is that
peace of mind I ever achieved. I stand now nature — the earth — goes on, perpetually
face to face with nothingness, and now, at renewing itself, but that man’s experience of
the end of my life, I have to begin to learn it is limited to a brief span. Mahler launched
to walk and stand.
He reined in his walking but otherwise In Short
plunged ahead almost suicidally. That au- Born: July 7, 1860, in Kalischt (Kaliště),
tumn he traveled to New York to prepare for Bohemia, near the town of Humpolec
his conducting debut at The Metropolitan
Died: May 18, 1911, in Vienna, Austria
Opera, and in the fall of 1909 he accepted the
Music Directorship of the New York Philhar- Work composed: 1907 through 1909, mostly in
the summer of 1908
monic. Given his health and the relentless
strain of his activities, it is perhaps surpris- World premiere: November 20, 1911, by the
ing that he managed to live almost four years Munich Tonkünstler Orchestra, Bruno Walter,
after receiving a diagnosis. conductor, with Sara Cahier, contralto, and
Mahler seems to have tried tricking death William Miller, tenor
with Das Lied von der Erde. He subscribed New York Philharmonic premiere: January 3,
to the superstition that composers did not 1929, Willem Mengelberg, conductor, with
survive beyond their ninth symphonies (à Margarete Matzenauer, contralto, and Richard
la Beethoven and Bruckner). He according- Crooks, tenor
ly avoided calling this his Ninth Symphony, Most recent New York Philharmonic
which it essentially is, since Mahler’s sym- performance: April 22, 2016, Alan Gilbert,
phonies often include prominent parts for conductor, Stefan Vinke, tenor, Thomas
vocal soloists. On the other hand, it is distinct Hampson, baritone
among his ostensible symphonies in that, at Estimated duration: ca. 58 minutes
JANUARY 2020 | 23into his Bethge settings immediately after on November 20, 1911, six months after the
receiving his 1907 “death sentence,” and composer’s death. Walter wrote:
completed the orchestration in New York
during the 1908–09 season. While calling Das Lied von der Erde is the most personal
for a large orchestra, Mahler deployed his utterance in Mahler’s creative work and
resources selectively, almost as a chamber perhaps in music. Invention, too, which, be-
ensemble with vast possibilities. ginning with the Sixth Symphony, was oc-
This is among the most introspective of casionally of less importance in itself to the
Mahler’s works. Such ear-tickling details great symphonic artist than as mere materi-
as the chinoiserie of occasional pentatonic al for his creative forming, regains its highly
scales (as in the third and fourth songs) do personal character and, in that sense, it is
little to obscure that this is a valedictory quite in order to call Das Lied von der Erde
masterpiece of autobiography. The finale the most “Mahleresque” of his works.
is one of Mahler’s greatest movements. A
half-hour in duration — and therefore near- Instrumentation: piccolo and three flutes
ly as long as all that has come before — it (one doubling piccolo), three oboes (one dou-
comprises two of Bethge’s poems (with a bling English horn), four clarinets (one dou-
final verse of Mahler’s own appended), and bling bass clarinet) and E-flat clarinet, three
a desolate funeral march provides no relief bassoons (one doubling contrabassoon), four
from its heartbreaking sense of yearning horns, three trumpets, three trombones, tuba,
and regret. timpani, bass drum, cymbals, triangle, tam-
Mahler never heard Das Lied von der Erde tam, bells, celesta, two harps, mandolin, and
performed. Bruno Walter led its premiere strings, plus mezzo-soprano and tenor soloists.
Mahler’s Twilight
The widespread image of Mahler as being overwhelmingly sick and depressed in his final years
is to a large extent based on the way his wife, Alma, depicted him in her writings and later com-
ments. The Mahler biographer Henry-Louis de La Grange argued that this may not be accurate,
and that Alma was skewing the truth to justify her own romantic infidelities. An alternative view to
Alma’s was expressed in 1948 by the conductor Otto Klemperer, whom she was apparently intent
on seducing not long after her husband’s death:
It would be a grave mistake to regard Mahler as a world-weary man. The best biography that
has been written about him is by his wife Alma Mahler, who also emphasizes these traits. I myself,
since I was privileged to know Mahler, can vouch
that he was of a very lively, even cheerful nature.
He could become very angry only with those
who failed to do their duty …. The last song in
Das Lied von der Erde is Der Abschied. It was his
farewell to life, and the piece is profoundly mov-
ing. Right at the end can be heard the words: “I
go, I wander, I seek peace for my lonely heart.”
For even if, as I say, he was by nature lively and
by no means world-weary, he was nonetheless a
Alma and Gustav Mahler on one of his customary strolls in lonely man. He died too early.
the countryside
24 | NEW YORK PHILHARMONICTexts and Translations
Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde,
with texts from Bethge’s translations in The Chinese Flute
Das Trinklied vom Jammer der Erde The Drinking Song of Earthly Sorrow
Schon winkt der Wein im gold’nen Pokale, Wine in the golden goblet is beckoning,
Doch trinkt noch nicht, erst sing’ ich euch But do not drink yet. First I’ll sing
ein Lied! you a song!
Das Lied vom Kummer The Song of Sorrow!
soll auflachend in die Seele euch klingen. Let its mockery laugh itself into your soul.
Wenn der Kummer naht, When sorrow approaches, the soul’s gardens
liegen wüst die Gärten der Seele, lie desolate,
so erstirbt die Freude, der Gesang. Joy and song wither and die.
Dunkel ist das Leben, ist der Tod! Dark is life and death!
Herr dieses Hauses! Master of this house,
Dein Keller birgt die Fülle des goldenen Weins! your cellar holds the fullness of golden wine!
Hier, diese Laute nenn’ ich mein! Master, this lute I call my own!
Die Laute schlagen und die Gläser leeren, Strike the lute and empty the glasses.
Das sind zwei Dinge, die zusammen passen. These are things that fit each other.
Ein voller Becher Weins zur rechten Zeit At the proper time, a goblet full of wine is
ist mehr wert, als alle Reiche dieser Erde! worth more than all the kingdoms of earth!
Dunkel ist das Leben, ist der Tod! Dark is life and death!
Das Firmament blaut ewig, und The firmament in its eternal blue, and
die Erde the earth
wird lange fest steh’n und aufblühn will long endure and will blossom
im Lenz. in springtime.
Du aber, Mensch! Wie lang lebst denn du? But you, O man, what is the span of your life?
Nicht hundert Jahre darfst du dich Not even for a hundred years are you
ergötzen permitted
an all dem morschen Tande dieser Erde! to enjoy the vanities of this earth!
Seht dort hinab! Look there below!
Im Mondschein auf den Gräbern In the moonlight upon the graves
hockt eine wildgespenstische Gestalt! crouches a wild, ghostly figure!
Ein Aff’ ist’s! Hört ihr, wie sein Heulen It is an ape! Hear how his howling
hinausgellt in den süßen Duft des Leben! hovers on the sweet fragrance of life!
Jetzt nehmt den Wein! Jetzt ist es Zeit, Bring on the wine! The time has come,
Genossen! my comrades!
Leert eure gold’nen Becher zu Grund! Drain your golden goblets to the bottom.
Dunkel ist das Leben, ist der Tod! Dark is life and death!
— Based on Li Bai
(Please turn the page quietly.)
JANUARY 2020 | 25Der Einsame im Herbst The Solitary One in Autumn
Herbstnebel wallen bläulich The mists of autumn build their blue wall over
überm Strom. the sea.
Vom Reif bezogen stehen alle Gräser. The grass stands covered with hoarfrost.
Man meint, ein Künstler habe Staub von Jade It seems as if an artist had strewn the
über die feinen Blüten ausgestreut. dust of jade over the delicate blossoms.
Der süße Duft der Blumen ist verflogen, The flowers’ fragrance has faded.
ein kalter Wind beugt ihre Stengel nieder. A cold wind bends them to earth.
Bald werden die verwelkten, gold’nen Blätter Soon the withered, golden leaves of lotus
der Lotosblüten auf dem Wasser zieh’n. flowers will be scattered upon the waters.
Mein Herz ist müde. My heart is weary.
Meine kleine Lampe erlosch mit Knistern, My little lamp has gone out with a crackle,
Es gemahnt mich an den Schlaf. reminding me of need for sleep.
Ich komm’ zu dir, traute Ruhestätte, I come to you, trusted place of twilight!
Ja, gib mir Ruh; ich hab’ Yes, give me rest, for I am in need of
Erquickung not! refreshment!
Ich weine viel in meinen Einsamkeiten. I weep and weep in my solitude.
Der Herbst in meinem Herzen währt zu lange. Autumn lingers too long in my heart.
Sonne der Liebe, willst du nie mehr scheinen, O sun of love, will you not shine once more
um meine bittern Tränen mild aufzutrocknen? to gently dry my bitter tears?
— Based on Chang Tsi
Von der Jugend Of Youth
Mitten in dem kleinen Teiche Midway in the little pool stands
steht ein Pavillon aus grünem a pavilion of green and
und aus weißem Porzellan. white porcelain.
Wie der Rücken eines Tigers Like the back of a tiger, the bridge
wölbt die Brücke sich aus Jade of jade
zu dem Pavillon hinüber. arches across to the pavilion.
In dem Häuschen sitzen Freunde, In the little house friends are seated,
schön gekleidet, trinken, plaudern, beautifully gowned, drinking, chatting.
manche schreiben Verse nieder. Some are writing verses.
Ihre seidnen Ärmel gleiten rückwarts, Their silk sleeves glide backwards,
ihre seidnen Mützen hocken lustig tief im Nacken. silk caps perched on their necks.
Auf des kleinen, kleinen Teiches On the smooth surface of
stiller, stiller Wasserfläche the small pool,
zeigt sich alles wunderlich im Spiegelbilde. all is wondrously mirrored.
Alles auf dem Kopfe stehend All stands upon its head
in dem Pavillon aus grünem in the pavilion
und aus weißem Porzellan. of green and white porcelain.
(Please turn the page quietly.)
26 | NEW YORK PHILHARMONICWie ein Halbmond scheint die Brücke, Like a half-moon stands the bridge,
umgekehrt der Bogen. reversed in its bow.
Freunde, schön gekleidet, Friends, beautifully gowned, are drinking,
trinken, plaudern. chatting.
— Based on Li T’ai-po
Von der Schönheit Of Beauty
Junge Mädchen pflücken Blumen, Youthful maidens are plucking flowers,
pflücken Lotosblumen an dem Uferrande. lotus flowers at the edge of the shore.
Zwischen Büschen und Blättern sitzen sie, Between bushes and leaves they are sitting,
sammeln Blüten in den Schoss gathering blossoms in their laps
und rufen sich einander Neckereien zu. and calling to each other in jest.
Gold’ne Sonne webt um die Gestalten, The golden sun plays about their forms,
spiegelt sie im blanken Wasser wider. reflected in the still water.
Sonne spiegelt ihre schlanken Glieder, The sun mirrors their slender limbs and
ihre süßen Augen wider, their sweet eyes.
und der Zephir hebt mit Schmeichelkosen A gentle zephyr caresses the fabric of their
das Gewebe ihrer Ärmel auf, sleeves
führt den Zauber ihrer Wohlgerüche durch and wafts the magic of their perfume through
die Luft. the air.
O sieh, was tummeln sich für schöne Knaben See the beautiful lads on fiery horses,
dort an dem Uferrand auf mut’gen Rossen, there at the edge of the shore.
weithin glänzend wie die Sonnenstrahlen; They glisten from afar like rays of the sun
schon zwischen dem Geäst der grünen Weiden between the green branches of the willows.
trabt das jungfrische Volk einher! Fresh youth is making its way!
Das Ross des einen wiehert fröhlich auf, One of the steeds whinnies for joy
und scheut und saust dahin, and rushes past,
über Blumen, Gräser wanken hin die Hufe, galloping over flowers and grasses,
sie zerstampfen jäh im Sturm die his hoofs crushing the fallen
hingesunk’nen Blüten, blossoms.
Hei! Wie flattern im Taumel seine Mähnen, How his mane flies in the breeze,
dampfen heiß die Nüstern! how his nostrils dilate!
Gold’ne Sonne webt um die Gestalten, The golden sun plays about their forms,
spiegelt sie im blanken Wasser wider. reflected in the still water.
Und die schönste von den Jungfrau’n sendet And the loveliest of the maidens
lange Blicke ihm der Sehnsucht nach. sends the rider glances of yearning.
Ihre stolze Haltung ist nur Verstellung. Her haughty bearing is no more than feigned.
In dem Funkeln ihrer großen Augen, In the sparkle of her wide eyes,
In dem Dunkel ihres heissen Blicks in the darkening of the eager glance,
schwingt klagend noch die Erregung ihres longingly beats the passion
Herzens nach. of her heart.
— Based on Li Bai (Please turn the page quietly.)
JANUARY 2020 | 31Der Trunkene im Frühling The Drunkard in Spring
Wenn nur ein Traum das Desein ist, warum If life is no more than a dream, why work and
dann Müh’ und Plag’? worry?
Ich trinke, bis ich nicht mehr kann, den ganzen I’ll drink till I can drink no more, the whole
lieben Tag! livelong day!
Und wenn ich nicht mehr trinken kann, weil And when I can no longer drink, when throat
Kehl’ und Seele voll, and soul are full,
so tauml’ ich bis zu meiner Tür und schlafe I’ll tumble down before my door and sleep
wundervoll! wonderfully!
Was hör’ ich beim Erwachen? Horch! Ein Vogel What do I hear as I awaken? Listen! A bird
singt im Baum. sings in a tree!
Ich frag’ ihn, ob schon Frühling sei; mir ist, als I ask him whether Spring has come. I feel I am
wie im Traum. in a dream.
Der Vogel zwitschert: Ja! Ja! Der Lenz! Der The bird twitters: Yes! The Spring!
Lenz, der Lenz, sei kommen über Nacht! Overnight, the Spring has come!
Aus tiefstem Schauen lausch’ ich auf, der Vogel In deep contemplation I listen, the bird sings
singt und lacht! and laughs!
Ich fülle mir den Becher neu, I fill my goblet anew and drain it
und leer’ ihn zum Grund to the bottom.
und singe, bis der Mond erglänzt I sing until the moon shines bright
am schwarzen Himmelsgrund! in the darkening firmament!
Und wenn ich nicht mehr singen kann, And when I can no longer sing,
so schlaf’ ich wieder ein. I’ll go to sleep again.
Was geht mich Welt und Frühling an? For what does Spring matter to me?
Lasst mich betrunken sein! Just let me be drunk!
— Based on Li Bai
Der Abschied The Farewell
Die Sonne scheidet hinter dem Gebirge. The sun is sinking beneath the hills.
In alle Täler steigt der Abend nieder Evening descends into the vales
mit seinen Schatten, die voll Kühlung sind. with its cool, quiet shadows.
O sieh! Wie eine Silberbarke schwebt der Mond Behold! As a bark of silver the moon rises
am blauen Himmelssee herauf. into the blue heaven.
Ich spüre eines feinen Windes Weh’n I feel the motion of a gentle wind
hinter den dunklen Fichten! behind the dark pines.
Der Bach singt voller Wohllaut durch das Dunkel. The brook sings its music through the dark.
Die Blumen blassen im Dämmerschein. The flowers grow pale in the twilight.
Die Erde atmet voll von Ruh’ und Schlaf. The earth breathes the quiet of rest and sleep.
Alle Sehnsucht will nun träumen. All longing now becomes a dream.
32 | NEW YORK PHILHARMONICDie müden Menschen geh’n heimwärts, Weary humanity is homeward bound,
um im Schlaf vergess’nes Glück to discover in sleep their forgotten fortune
und Jugend neu zu lernen. and youth.
Die Vögel hocken still in ihren Zweigen. Birds are perched upon their branches.
Die Welt schlaft ein. The world falls into sleep.
Es wehet kühl im Schatten meiner Fichten. The cool wind is in the shadow of my pines.
ich stehe hier und harre meines Freundes. I stand here and await my friend.
Ich harre sein zum letzten lebewohl. I wait to bid my friend a last farewell.
Ich sehne mich, O Freund, an deiner Seite I long, O friend, at your side,
die Schönheit dieses Abends zu genießen. to drink in the beauty of this evening.
Wo bleibst du? Du lässt mich lang allein! Where are you? You leave me long in solitude!
Ich wandle auf und nieder mit meiner Laute I wander to and fro with my lute
auf Wegen, die von weichem Grase schwellen. on paths thick with soft grass.
O kämst du! O kämst du O that you would come! If only you would
ungetreuer Freund! come, faithless friend!
Er stieg vom Pferd und reichte ihm den Trunk He climbed from his horse and gave his friend
des Abschieds dar. a farewell cup.
Er fragte ihn, wohin er führe He asked him where he was going, and why it
und auch warum, warum es müsste sein. must be.
Er sprach, seine Stimme war umflort: He spoke. His voice was quiet:
Du mein Freund, O my friend,
mir war auf dieser Welt das Glück nicht hold! fate in this world has not been kind to me!
Wohin ich geh? Ich geh’, ich wandre in Where am I bound? I go, I wander into the
die Berge. mountains.
Ich suche Ruhe, I seek rest,
Ruhe für mein einsam Herz. rest for my lonely heart.
Ich wandle nach der Heimat, meiner Stätte. I am wand’ring toward my native place, my home.
Ich werde niemals in die Ferne schweifen. I shall never roam in foreign lands.
Still ist mein Herz und harret seiner Stunde! My heart is at rest and awaits its hour!
Die liebe Erde allüberall The dear earth blossoms in the spring and
blüht auf im Lenz und grunt auf’s neu! buds anew.
Allüberall und ewig blauen licht Everywhere and forever the luminous blue of
die Fernen! distant space!
Ewig ... ewig ... Forever … forever …
— Based on Mong-Kao-Jen / Wang Wei (English version is based on that of A.H. Meyer)
JANUARY 2020 | 33You can also read
