Everywhere and Forever: Mahler’s Song of the Earth

Everywhere and Forever explores the biographic, cultural, and philosophical contexts that led to the creation of Das Lied von der Erde, a composition often considered to be Mahler's most intimate masterpiece. This documentary by Jason Starr presents series of poetry readings, interviews with renowned experts, and extracts from an extraordinary concert given by Thomas Hampson, Paul Groves, and the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande under the direction of Neeme Järvi.

During the summer of 1907, the composer Gustave Mahler experienced two life-altering tragedies: his 5 year-old daughter died of scarlet fever and the doctor diagnosed Mahler with a congenital heart defect. Gathering his courage and letting his genius lead the way, Mahler harnessed his despair to power the creation of a masterpiece. He would produce something completely new: a "symphony for tenor, alto, or baritone, and large orchestra" inspired by an ancient Chinese text: Song of the Earth.

Photo: Neeme Järvi © Simon van Boxtel