Britannica
Sources used in this answer
What texts did Gustav Mahler set in the vocal movements of Symphony No. 3?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Gustav Mahler
Gustav Mahler.
In his Symphony No. 3, Gustav Mahler incorporates the human voice in the fourth and fifth movements using the following texts:
-
Fourth Movement: Mahler sets "The Midnight Song" from Friedrich Nietzsche’s Also sprach Zarathustra. This movement is performed by an alto soloist and reflects themes of deep sorrow and world-weariness.1
-
Fifth Movement: The text is a traditional folk poem taken from the collection Des Knaben Wunderhorn ("The Boy’s Magic Horn"). This movement features the alto soloist accompanied by women’s and boys’ choruses, creating a mood of jubilation and heavenly bliss.1