Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde and “Chinese Element”

Abstract

Gustav Mahler was one of the most predominant composers and conductors between the late 19th century and the early 20th century, Das Lied von der Erde is one of the most representative music works in his later years. Creation background, Taoist thinking, application of Tang dynasty poems, and integration of pentatonic mode and Western music system are discussed in the article, which centers analysis of Chinese elements in Das Lied von der Erde and elaborates that Das Lied von der Erde is a great orchestral work with wisdom and poetry. It is the result of civilizational exchange and mutual learning and it has high artistic value.