Das Lied von der Erde ("The Song of the Earth") is an unnumbered symphony for two voices and orchestra completed in 1909 by Austro-Bohemian composer Gustav Mahler (1860 - 1911). It comprises six movements, each featuring extensive vocals on texts derived from Chinese poetry, for two singers who alternate movements. Mahler specified that the two singers should be a tenor and an alto, or else a tenor and a baritone if an alto is not available. Mahler composed this work following the most painful period in his life, and the songs address themes such as those of living, parting and salvation. This is my favourite piece of music.The average playing time is 53 minutes (AllMusic). I have over 50 recordings, not only of the combinations Mahler endorsed, but also multiple variations thereof. There are so many great recordings, but in the end I picked the first one I bought (which may well be the best one): Fritz Wunderlich and Christa Ludwig with the Philharmonia Orchestra under Otto Klemperer on an EMI CD.
