'The Song of the Earth'

Kent Nagano & Mahler Chamber Orchestra

It’s like walking slowly through a garden. This is how Toshio Hosokawa, the composer of this premiere work, characterises his music - and it is only a small step from a walk through a garden to the “Song of the Earth”. With this “Song” by Mahler, Kent Nagano presents a European work based on adaptations of Chinese lyrics, face to face with a work by a Japanese composer trained in Europe. That is certainly one of the many positive effects of globalisation! “The Song of the Earth” is perhaps Mahler’s most beautiful opus. This personal “Symphony” (as Mahler actually wanted to categorise the work) was recorded by Nagano, and the serene CD has long been regarded as a classic. Finally it is now possible to witness and hear the maestro conduct this work live. Sally Matthews Sopran TBA Mezzo-soprano Michael Schade Tenor Michael Volle Bass Kent Nagano Conductor Mahler Chamber Orchestra WDR Cologne Radio Chorus (Choirmaster: Rupert Huber) Gustav Mahler “The Song of the Earth“ (Michael Schade and Michael Volle) Toshio Hosokawa “Starless Night” (premiere) (Sally Matthews and TBA)

Photo: Kasskara