I Am Lost to the World
Text by Friedrich Rückert
I am lost to the world
with which I used to waste so much time,
It has heard nothing from me for so long
that it may very well believe that I am dead.
It is of no consequence to me
Whether it thinks me dead;
I cannot deny it,
for I really am dead to the world.
I am dead to the world's tumult,
And I rest in a quiet realm.
I live alone in my heaven,
In my love, in my song.
“I Am Lost to the World” is widely considered Gustav Mahler’s greatest song. In this episode we discover why it continues to move listeners so profoundly.
Guests include:
• Thomas Hampson, Foremost Baritone & Opera Star
• Marilyn McCoy, Columbia University, New York
• Miriam Pastor Burgos, Solo English Horn, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam
Music used in Episode 5. All titles used with permission.
Rückert Lieder: Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen
By Gustav Mahler
Piano arrangement and embellishment
Written and performed by D.D. Jackson
Rückert Lieder: Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen
By Gustav Mahler
Sung by Christine Schäfer, accompanied by the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, conducted by Christoph Eschenbach
Courtesy of Naxos of America, Inc.
Capriccio (C5101)
Symphony No. 4 in G Major: IV. Wir Geniessen Die Himmlischen Freuden. Sehr Behaglich
By Gustav Mahler
Performed by the Czech Philharmonic, conducted by Semyon Bychkov
Courtesy of Naxos of America, Inc.
Pentatone (5186972)
© 2020 Aaron Cohen