In Das Lied von der Erde — The Song of the Earth, Mahler brings symphony and song cycle together in six movements for two voices and orchestra. Youth, beauty and solitude lead towards the expansive final “Farewell”, where the human voice gently fades while the earth blossoms again. i Work information Composer: Gustav Mahler (1860–1911) Title: Das Lied von der Erde — The Song of the Earth, GMW 49-O Composition: 1908–1909; the principal period of composition was the summer of 1908 First performance: 20 November 1911, Tonhalle, Munich; the Konzertverein Orchestra, conducted by Bruno Walter, with William Miller and Sarah Charles Cahier Genre: A symphony in six songs for two solo voices and orchestra Stylistic period: Late Romanticism Structure: Six movements, alternating between tenor and contralto or baritone Duration: Approximately 60–65 minutes, with substantial variation between performances Performing forces: Tenor, contralto or baritone, and large symphony orchestra, including ...