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What texts did Gustav Mahler set in the vocal movements of Symphony No. 3?

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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