Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde (Sir Simon Rattle) (CD, Br-Klassik)

The song from the earth, referred to in its subtitle as a symphony for a tenor and an alto (or baritone) voice and orchestra, explores the already permeable border between different genres: the song in the large form of a song cycle and the symphony . The differences to a mere song cycle are, however, serious: symphonic forms of composition permeate the songs, as some symphonic movements are built up from gigantic stanzas. Interludes expand into implementations in which the essential happens. In general, the thematic events take place in the orchestra, whose voices in a certain sense also include the soloists. The sequence of movements is also based on the symphony: In the weighty corner movements, the sonata movement form clearly appears through the structure of the stanzas, where symphonic processes take place. Two internal movements represent the slow movement or a sarcastic scherzo. A stringent arc spans the entire work; According to the principle of intensification, it culminates in a huge final sentence that lasts as long as all previous sentences together. With this farewell, Mahler takes up the type of the final symphony, and the lightening of the C minor to C major is even reminiscent of his usual apotheoses. In this symphony, too, as in his others, Mahler wanted to build a world with all the means of the available technology. The demands on its performers are as unique as the formal design of the work, as extreme are the demands on its performers: it requires two seasoned song singers who, in cooperation with the huge orchestra, stand out as soloists as they are able to fit into the symphonic structure as concert voices. It requires an excellent, perfectly coordinated ensemble, and of course a conductor personality who ensures cohesion and gives spirit and soul to the large form. All these parameters came together at concerts that were recorded on January 25th and 26th, 2018 in the Herkulessaal of the Munich Residence and are now being released on CD by BR Klassik: the two outstanding soloists Magdalena Ko ená and Stuart Skelton ensured the best possible song composition and Sir Simon Rattle at the podium of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra for the unique sound quality and the designed symphonic cohesion. The concert event in Munich from January this year is documented on CD with Mahler’s Lied von der Erde: the top-class and outstanding interpretation of one of the most important compositions of the late romantic repertoire.