Das Lied Von Der Erde

The song of the Earth
Autumn Loneliness

59" x 22"

oil on Canvas

PRIVATE COLLECTION

Der Einsame im Herbst (Autumn Loneliness)

Blue autumn mists undulate over the lake;
the grass is standing stiff with frost;
One might think an artist had strewn jade dust over all the fine blossoms.
The sweet fragrance of flowers has flown away;
a cold wind forces them to bow their stems low.
Soon the wilted golden leaves of lotus flowers will drift upon the water.
My heart is weary.
My small lamp has gone out with a splutter;
it reminds me of sleep.
I am coming to you, comfort place of rest!
Yes, give me rest — I have need of rejuvenation.
I weep much in my solitude.
The autumn in my heart has lasted too long.
Sun of love, will you never shine again,
gently to dry my bitter tears?

– attributed to Chang Tsi (after Chinese poetry, via Hans Bethge)

Autumn breathes in a slow hush. Paula lets the surface thin to stillness—like mist sliding over water—then marks the faint pressures that remain: a bowing, a drift, a lamp that sputters and darkens. The movement is spare and tired (Mahler marks it “somewhat dragging and exhausted”), yet the image keeps a small request alive: rest, renewal, a light to return. Not a picture, a presence—the feeling of a long season asking to end, the promise of warmth held just beyond reach.

Public debut: 20 November 1911 — Munich, Tonhalle; Bruno Walter conducting.

Deeper insight:
Oxford Song — full text & translation of Der Einsame im Herbst.
Mahler Foundation — movement overview (marking, character, orchestration)
LA Phil — work overview for Das Lied von der Erde.
Keeping Score — movement text/translation & context.

Listen

Das Lied von der Erde (The song of the Earth) by Gustav Mahler

Series

The Mahler Project