Gustav Mahler's compositional output is a phenomenon in the world of music fro having come from the transition point between two past centuries and for having retained its unfading value and relevance in the 21st century. This composer, who is noted for his breadth of vision, was nurtured by past eopchs: his symphonies pursue the Beethovenian conflicting symphonic character. One can also feel the presence of the bardic contemplation that was inherent to Schubert, and find mofits personified à la Wagner, as well as the sense of space characteristic of Bruckner. All this is brought to a unique creative combination, a blend that turns out to be of a new stylistic quality in the music composed by Mahler, which influenced his contemporaries and the composers of succeeding generations.
In addition to his symphonies, Mahler's several song cycles mark an important stage in his work. They are "Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen" (Song of a Wayfarer) and "Kindertotenlieder" (Song on the Death of Children).
| Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen | Kindertotenlieder |
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I. Wenn mein Schatz Hochzeit macht II. Ging heut‘ Morgen übers Feld III. Ich hab‘ ein glühend Messer IV. Die zwei blauen Augen von meinem Schatz |
I. Nun will die Sonn‘ so hell aufgeh‘n II. Nun seh‘ ich wohl, warum so dunkle Flammen III. Wenn dein Mütterlein IV. Oft denk‘ich, sie sind nur ausgegangen V. In diesem Wetter! |