The 4th movement of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No.2. This recording is a "rendition" which has been created with sequencer-controlled instruments on a PC. This is version 1.1: the solo voice is here represented by solo cello.
On 18.May 1911 Gustav Mahler died in Vienna. 100 years later the world is commemorating his death with many concerts. When browsing, I came across a video on Youtube where someone did a variation on the "Urlicht" with a soloviolin and orchestra - and I thought that I should create a recording of this wonderful short piece.
So in the evening of 18.May 2011 I sat down at my computer / keyboard, got the score of the Symphony No.2, and began playing. Quite short, only 6 pages, and much of them empty. But, as usual with Mahler, in some parts a bit tricky. It took me 7 hours to play each instrument and edit the overall sound balance and tempo.
And this is then my tribute to Gustav Mahler.
(Now that I started with something form Symphony No.2, I got some appetite to work also on the other movements... but that will take a whole while longer)
O Roeschen rot!
Der Mensch liegt in groesster Noth!
Der Mensch liegt in groesster Pein!
Je lieber moecht' ich im Himmel sein.
Da kam ich auf einen breiten Weg:
Da kam ein Engelein und wollt' mich abweisen.
Ach nein! Ich liess mich nicht abweisen!
Ich bin von Gott und will wieder zu Gott!
Der liebe Gott wird mir ein Lichtchen geben,
Wird leuchten mir bis in das ewig selig Leben!
English translation:
O red rose!
Man lies in greatest need!
Man lies in greatest pain!
How I would rather be in heaven.
There came I upon a broad path
when came a little angel and wanted to turn me away.
Ah no! I would not let myself be turned away!
I am from God and shall return to God!
The loving God will grant me a little light,
Which will light me into that eternal blissful life!