Otto Klemperer talks about Gustav Mahler and Das Lied Von der Erde

Otto Klemperer speaks about Gustav Mahler.

Translation:

Ladies and Gentlemen, Gustav Mahler died May 18th 1911 in Vienna. The cause of death was blood poisoning that developed from angina. Because he had a weak heart he was not able to recover from the attacks of this sickness. He left behind the works: das Lied von der Erde (The song of the Earth), The ninth symphony, purely instrumental, and drafts of the tenth symphony that Ernst Krenek partly completed. We are performing das Lied von der Erde today. It is very interesting, to find this peculiar piece presented from all the other works of Mahler. Mahler is the Romantic "Kat Exoche" or par excellence. The German romantics, Schumann and Mendelsohnn, play[ed] a big roll. The German folk song also sounds [in those composers' pieces]. To all of this comes an eastern tune that accompanies with original chinese text. The stories are translated by Hans Bethge into German. Probably very freely translated. Mahler, who had a superstitious dread about composing his ninth symphony, attempted to overcome his superstition, as he composed das Lied von der Erde after his eighth [symphony] and edited it after. It is a proper symphony, with two sets of singing voices needed. There are six songs, three for the tenor and three for the mezzo soprano. In both the first and last [movements], with the vocal parts come big symphonic interludes. One does a great injustice if he believes that Mahler had a world-wearied (weltschmerzliche) nature. The best biography about him was written by Ms. Alma Mahler. She emphasizes the same thing. I myself, who had the honor to meet Mahler, can testify that he had a very active and cheerful disposition who would only be angry with people who did not do their duty. He was absolutely not a tyrant, but rather kind, donating to various charities for young musicians in need in the Viennese court. He was so busy as director of the opera that he could only compose in the summer during his vacations. The last song in Lied von der Erde is called The Farewell (der Abschied). It was his farewell from life, and the piece shakes you. At the very end the words ring out: "I go, I wander into the mountains, I seek rest for my lonely heart." Because even if, as I said, his nature was lively and not at all world-wearied, he was still lonely. He died too soon.

Otto Klemperer assisted Mahler during his formative years and spoke greatly of him in various instances. I think this account is quite fascinating especially due to his relation to Mahler and his musical genius which Klemperer realizes in Das Lied Von der Erde.

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