Mahler podcast

Mahler score
A page from Mahler’s original handwritten 1894 score. Used with permission.

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Primeval Light
Text by Achim von Arnim

O little red rose!
Humanity lies in greatest need!
Humanity lies in greatest pain!
How I would rather be in heaven.
Then I came upon a broad path,
where came a little angel who wanted to turn me away.
Ah no! I would not let myself be sent away!
I am from God and will return to God.
The dear God will give me a light,
Will light me to eternal blessed life!

Movement Four
"O Little Red Rose"

The fourth movement of Mahler’s Second Symphony is a delicate song for mezzo-soprano and orchestra. It’s a turning point in the symphony, where the protagonist’s spiritual wisdom blossoms.

Primeval Light
Text by Achim von Arnim

O little red rose!
Humanity lies in greatest need!
Humanity lies in greatest pain!
How I would rather be in heaven.
Then I came upon a broad path,
where came a little angel who wanted to turn me away.
Ah no! I would not let myself be sent away!
I am from God and will return to God.
The dear God will give me a light,
Will light me to eternal blessed life!

James Lurie as the voice of Gustav Mahler
Laura Gragtmans as the voice of Natalie Bauer-Lechner
Robert Fass as the voice of Siegfried Lipiner

Guests include:
• Carter Brey, Principal Cello, New York Philharmonic
• Christine Lee Gengaro, Los Angeles City College
• Marilyn McCoy, Columbia University, New York
• Joanna Neilly, Oxford University, England
• Michael Sachs, Principal Trumpet, Cleveland Orchestra


Music used in Episode 4. All titles used with permission.

Symphony No. 2 in C minor “Resurrection” – IV. Urlicht
By Gustav Mahler

Sung by Dame Sarah Connolly, with the Philharmonia Orchestra, conducted by Benjamin Zander
Courtesy of Naxos of America, Inc.
Linn Records (CKD452)

Symphony No. 2 in C minor “Resurrection” – IV: “Urlicht” (from Des Knaben Wunderhorn) Sehr feierlich, aber schlicht.
(“Primeval Light” from The Boy’s Magic Horn – “Very solemn, but discreet”)
By Gustav Mahler

Performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Christoph Eschenbach
Courtesy of Naxos of America, Inc.
Ondine (ODE 1134-2D)

Symphony No. 2 “Resurrection” – Arrangement for 2 piano, 8 hands – Fourth Movement, “Urlicht”
By Gustav Mahler

Performed by Briely Cutting, Angela Turner, Stephen Emmerson, and Stewart Kelly
Courtesy of Melba Recordings
Melba Recordings (MR301144)