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The Wunderhorn Years

Donald Macleod explores Mahler's youthful fascination with the anthology of German folk poetry, Des Knaben Wunderhorn.

Donald Macleod explores Mahler's youthful fascination with the anthology of German folk poetry, Des Knaben Wunderhorn.

Gustav Mahler rose from humble beginnings on the fringes of the Austro-Hungarian Empire to become one of the most powerful figures in the musical establishment. Nowadays his symphonies are almost guaranteed to fill concert halls, but during his lifetime Mahler made his name as a conductor.

Des Knaben Wunderhorn (The Youth's Magic Horn) was a major influence on Mahler's early songs and symphonies. Mahler loved its mixture of realism and fantasy, of the commonplace and the extraordinary, the tragic and the humorous.

1 hour

Music Played

  • Gustav Mahler

    Symphony no. 4 in G major for soprano and orchestra - 4th movement

    Singer: Dame Sarah Connolly. Orchestra: Orchestre des Champs鈥惷塴ys茅es. Conductor: Philippe Herreweghe.
    • Harmonia Mundi: HMX2901920.
    • Harmonia Mundi.
    • 10.
  • Gustav Mahler

    Symphony no. 2 in C minor (Resurrection) for soprano, alto, chorus and orchestra

    Orchestra: City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Sir Simon Rattle.
    • EMI: CDS7479628.
    • EMI.
    • 1.
  • Gustav Mahler

    Des Knaben Wunderhorn vers. for voice and piano

    Singer: Christoph Pr茅gardien. Performer: Michael Gees.
    • H盲nssler Classic: CD 098256000.
    • H盲nssler Classic.
    • 3.
  • Gustav Mahler

    Symphony no. 3 in D minor for alto, female chorus, boys' chorus and orchestra

    Orchestra: Berlin Philharmonic. Conductor: Claudio Abbado.
    • Deutsche Grammophon: 4715022.
    • Deutsche Grammophon.
    • 13.

Broadcasts

  • Tue 11 Feb 2014 12:00
  • Tue 11 Feb 2014 18:30

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