Longing is the keyword in this piece. The last years of Mahler's emotional life streams from his music like tears. It sings the longing for hope and the aching for things left unsaid. The music is also a narrator in this piece that reaches and stirs the emotion even if the lyric sung is foreign. As the piece progresses you'll find words from the Chinese poem(s) uncovering Mahler's state of mind, thus realize why he took to a book of poem published centuries earlier. You will be captivated by the narrative style and will find this piece a great listen, music lover or not.
Review of RN Documentary: Song of a Troubled Heart
Emon Hassan
Posted on May 22, 2005 at 05:51 PM
Longing is the keyword in this piece. The last years of Mahler's emotional life streams from his music like tears. It sings the longing for hope and the aching for things left unsaid. The music is also a narrator in this piece that reaches and stirs the emotion even if the lyric sung is foreign. As the piece progresses you'll find words from the Chinese poem(s) uncovering Mahler's state of mind, thus realize why he took to a book of poem published centuries earlier. You will be captivated by the narrative style and will find this piece a great listen, music lover or not.