Residing somewhere between symphony and song cycle, 'Das Lied' is one of Mahler's most profound and loved works, marking an important step in the composer's career, as well as in his private life. Jurowski approaches the piece as Mahler's deliberate move from a 'heroic' Beethovenian model towards a more 'lyrical', Schubertian attitude. Throughout 'Das Lied', and particularly in the contemplative last movement, 'Der Abschied' ('The Goodbye'), Mahler seems to come to terms with the mortality of man while celebrating the immortal nature of life.
REVIEW:
Many fine points emerge in the score, but this is due to a relaxed mood and space for details rather than to any attempt to be microscopic about the work. There's much more to be said about Jurowski, and much to be said in favor of tenor Robert Dean Smith, who confidently takes on the borderline singable first movement. The best of all here is Sarah Connolly's run in the epic "Der Abschied," which in its deliberate long line both fits well with Jurowski's overall concept and is just sensuously, tragically gorgeous on its own, likely destined to become one of the highlights of her later career. PentaTone's superbly clear live sound seals the deal on a very fine Das Lied von der Erde.
