Beethoven 6 / Das Lied von der Erde

After six years at the musical helm of Opera Ballet Vlaanderen, Argentinian conductor Alejo Pérez says goodbye in style. For his final concert he chooses two great classical music masterpieces: Ludwig van Beethoven's sixth symphony and Das Lied von der Erde by Gustav Mahler. Beethoven's sixth is the musical depiction of an idyllic scene. A joyful gathering in nature is startled by a violent storm. When it subsides, feelings of fear and awe make way for joy and gratitude. This 'Pastorale' symphony was one of the favourite works of Gustav Mahler, who expressed his love of nature in Das Lied von der Erde. Mahler wrote this song symphony for large orchestra, a tenor and an alto when he was confronted with the transience of life. The music begins as an exuberant celebration of beauty and life, and ends with a heartfelt farewell and the promise of a new spring.