Mahler, Der Abschied from Das Lied von der Erde

Mahler's music encapsulates the whole of humanity, from its greatest and noblest to its basest, and Das Lied von der Erde (The Song of the Earth) must count as one of his greatest works, and the last part (Der Abdschied; The Farewell) surely is one of the most poingnant and moving (vocal) pieces of all time. The sense of utter loss and darkness with which it begins is almost unbareable, and the hope and consolation with which it ends is equally shattering. In short, a most appropriate piece to commemorate this tragedy. Find the Bernstein/Fischer-Dieskau recording!

Gijs van der Meijden (The Netherlands)