Of love, death and beyond a guide to M2

[Constantin]

Has anyone seen the recent DVD, " Of Love, Death and Beyond:  Exploring Mahler's "Resurrection" Symphony?"


Although much of it is information we have read in many references, I found this an exceptionally well-done guide to M2.


It's along the lines of Producer Jason Starr's earlier M3 guide: "What the Universe Tells Me." 

I like this much better, probably because of the input from so many Mahler scholars I trust, including Henry Louis de la Grange, Donald Mitchell, Peter Franklin, and Constantin Floros.


Some will also recognize the faces of others who contribute:  Jerry Bruck, Morten Slovik, Stephen Hefling, Renate Stark-Voit, Martha Nussbaum, and theologians Catherine Keller and Neil Gillman.


This M2 guide approaches the symphony, movement by movement, recounting the history of what was going on in Mahler's life over the six years from start to completion.  The explanatory narration (by Thomas Hampson) resonates with my personal impressions of each movement.  There is a good description of the role that Mahler's friend, Siegfried Lipiner played in the concept of the symphony, and also the posthumous role of Hans von Bulow.


Yes, of course we can let the music speak for itself, but I found this a nice program guide to M2, and it appears it would be excellent for helping explain it to newbies.