Live
Only on
Certain chapters are not available.
Thank you for your understanding.
1

Antonín Dvořák, The Golden Spinning Wheel, Op. 109, B. 197

2

Gustav Mahler, Das Lied von der Erde

1. Das Trinklied vom Jammer der Erde

2. Der Einsame im Herbst

3. Von der Jugend

4. Von der Schönheit

5. Der Trunkene im Frühling

6. Der Abschied

Sir Simon Rattle conducts Dvořák and Mahler — With Magdalena Kožená and Simon O'Neill

Czech Philharmonic

Concert
Subscribers

Cast

Magdalena Kožená — Mezzo-soprano

Simon O'Neill — Tenor

Czech Philharmonic

Sir Simon Rattle — Conductor

Program notes

For his first collaboration with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, the marvelous Sir Simon Rattle conducts works by two favorite composers, including the most famous compatriot of the esteemed ensemble, Antonin Dvořák! His symphonic poem The Golden Spinning Wheel, based on a folk ballad recounting a story of deception, magic, and revenge, opens the evening before magnificent mezzo Magdalena Kožená and tenor Simon O'Neill join the festivities in Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde (The Song of the Earth).

Compelling and boldly original, this work that Leonard Bernstein called "Mahler's greatest symphony" testifies to the composer's fascination with Chinese poetry, such as the work of Li Bái (701-762) and Qián Qi (710-782), adapted into German by Hans Bethge. Unusual instruments for an orchestral ensemble, like the celesta and the mandolin, transport listeners to the Far East, following in the footsteps of many 20th-century European artists. What motivated Mahler, though, was less exoticism and more the contemplation of terrestrial beauty: "The earth breathes, in full rest and sleep. / All longing now becomes a dream... The birds roost silent in their branches. / The world falls asleep." An undisputed masterpiece!

A closer look: featured composers

Further listening: featured works

medici.tv - Back to medici.tv

The world’s premier resource for classical music programming: stunning live events from the world’s most prestigious halls, plus thousands of concerts, operas, ballets, and more in our VOD catalogue!

Our programs

Learn more

Useful links

  • Cookie Settings

Follow us

© MUSEEC SAS 2025 . With the support of Creative Europe – MEDIA Programme of the European Union and the CNC.

Europe media CNC