The OBC and its conductor Pablo González close the 2011-2012 season with Das Lied von der Erde by Gustav Mahler. The work closes the cycle of the Bohemian composer's symphonic Lieder - a series initiated last season. Das Lied von der Erde could have been Mahler's ninth symphony, if the composer was not too shy to dare having his own ninth, after the ones Beethoven, Schubert or Bruckner wrote.

Das Lied von der Erde is based on Chinese poems translated by Hans Bethge. These Chinese verses consoled Mahler for the pain that he felt at the impassive presence of death, which he reflected in such captivating music that entrances listeners with sound. Renowned singers with such highly acclaimed international careers, Donald Litaker and Christian Gerhaher, add the golden touch to the season.

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