Gustav Mahler - Songs Of A Wayfarer by AmericoLaraTuba published on 2021-04-11T02:27:04Z Gustav Mahler is probably the most important composer that "hooked me" to classical music appreciation. I feel this composer somehow is very capable of deeply connecting with fans with his musical language and orchestration, even a century after he died. I came across some great recordings of his symphonies in high school and it only made too much sense to honor him by playing his music at my recital. Today his lyrics and philosophical intentions don't fully resound with me today but it is hard to deny the enduring allure of his sounds. This is an example of the Post-Romantic era style which is much more natural for a tuba transcription, and the musical feelings written down by Mahler are still strong despite the transposition of this score away from the original keys. Like Bruckner's grandiose style, it is fun to play to my instrument's strengths while also being able to express more complicated emotions. Here is the live performance from my Senior Recital at Bates Recital Hall at the University of Texas at Austin in the Spring of 2009. English Paraphrases of the Wayfarer Song Texts: 1. My Sweetheart's Wedding Day My sweetheart's wedding day is a sad day for me! I go into my dark little room and weep for my dear sweetheart. Little blue flower! Do not fade! Little sweet bird! You sing on the green heath Oh! how beautiful is the world! Do not sing! Do not bloom! Spring has gone, all the singing is over. In the evening when I go to sleep, I think of my sorrow! 2. This Morning in the Fields This morning I went through the fields, Dew still clung to the grass, The gay finch said to me How is it Good morning! How goes it Isn't it a beautiful world How I love the world! The bluebell by the field with its little bells, has also gayly, sprightly, rung out its morning greeting Isn't it a beautiful world A beautiful thing! How I love the world! The world began to sparkle in the sunshine! Everything gained sound and color! In the sunshine! Flower & bird, large and small! Good Day! Isn't it a beautiful world Isn't it Isn't it Now won't my happiness begin too No! No! That which I seek can nevermore blossom for me! 3. I Have a Burning Knife I have a burning knife in my breast, Oh woe! Oh woe! It cuts so deep into every joy & bliss, So deep! So deep! Oh, what an evil guest this is. It never gives peace, never allows rest. Not by day, not even in sleep! Oh woe! Oh woe! When I look into the sky, I see two blue eyes. When I walk in the fields, I see her blond hair. Oh woe! Oh woe! When I awake from dreaming, I hear her silver laughter. Oh woe! Oh woe! I wish that I lay on the black bier, And could nevermore open my eyes! 4. My Sweetheart's Blue Eyes My sweetheart's two blue eyes have sent me away into the wide world. I had to leave my most beloved place. Oh blue eyes why did you ever gaze at me Now I am forever in pain and sorrow. I've gone out into the silent night. No one bid me farewell. My only comrades were love and sorrow. A linden tree stands by the road. Under it, for the first time I rested in sleep. It snowed blossoms over me. Then I forgot how life can hurt. Everything was well again. Everything....... Love and sorrow, world, and dream. Genre Classical Comment by Temeka Bonds Inspiration 2021-04-11T09:25:17Z