Das Lied von der Erde

Album review

Having released the complete cycle of Gustav Mahler's symphonies, it remained only for Hänssler Classic to issue Michael Gielen's recording of Das Lied von der Erde, the vocal cycle that really should be considered one of the symphonies for its significance in the composer's output. Indeed, this work follows the Eighth Symphony in order of composition, and Mahler refused to number it out of his deathly fear of writing a Ninth Symphony. Das Lied von der Erde broke that superstition for him, but his obsession gave the work its themes of facing mortality and bidding farewell to the beauties of earth, while his creative needs made it as fully symphonic in scope, scale, and development as most of his previous works. With mezzo-soprano Cornelia Kallisch, tenor Siegfried Jerusalem, and the SWR Sinfonieorchester Baden-Baden und Freiburg performing, Gielen presents Das Lied with the same acute vision and expressive transparency that made his readings of the symphonies crisp, coherent, and clear-eyed. Gielen takes Mahler as a modernist, rather than as a late or post-Romantic, and his utter lack of sentimentality in interpreting the music is much remarked. That is why this performance of Das Lied is exceptionally focused on details in the brilliant orchestral parts, and why there is almost no exaggeration of tempos for bigger effect. This recording is highly recommended to anyone who needs a fresh and exciting take on this revered work, though it may not supplant legendary recordings in the hearts of experienced Mahler fans.
© TiVo