Mahler's 'Das Lied von der Erde', the portrayal of a crisis. Six songs on ancient Chinese poetry for tenor and chamber orchestra. (Volumes I and II) (Original compositions);

Volume I. "Mahler's 'Das Lied von der Erde:' The Portrayal of a Crisis" is an analysis that focuses on the autobiographical/psychological aspect of the work. A life-experience of the composer is discussed along with the selection and sequencing of the poetry. The resulting dramatic progression, articulated by the musical setting, can be compared with Kubler-Ross's five stages of dying. "Das Lied von der Erde" is very likely a portrayal of the progression of a crisis, one that reflects Mahler's own experience with the knowledge of his imminent, premature death.;Volume II. "Six Songs on Ancient Chinese Poetry for Tenor and Chamber Orchestra" is an original musical composition scored for woodwinds in pairs, three horns, a trumpet and trombone, three percussionists on various instruments, timpani, harp, pianoforte, celesta, strings, and a tenor soloist. The texts are English translations of ancient Chinese originals, but are universal in meaning. They deal with three kinds of death: unnatural (war), natural (death in nature), and supernatural (death in nightmares). The final song portrays the attainment of immortality, but not without the possibility that it is imaginary. The harmonic language is tonal, albeit chromatic, and avoids stereotypical chinoiserie. There is an emphasis on the melodic element and on the dramatic portrayal of the human spirit.