Mahlers Songs Of A Wayfarer

The distraught lover leaves his home and wanders, coming to a linden tree in a field. There for the first time he finds rest - zum ersten Mal im Schlaf geruht.

He does not know how life went on, but, all was well again.

Is he just having a very good sleep or has he hung himself?

Thanks,

That would be for the reader/listener to determine, no? If you were the singer, it would probably affect your performance, as well.

Peter,

I wondered if there might be a 'standard view' that I was unaware of. Also, wonder if Mahler might have said something that elucidated the ending.

As to the performances I've heard - 4 in number - I find nothing but utter serenity and acceptance - or resignation - in the voice.

Are there 'standard views' of the interpretation of any decent poem??

If we all knew what Hamlet was talking about, would we have bothered to keep attending to him for 400 years?

Andante teneramente schrieb:

I basically agree with all of the above, but I think that the return of the 'nightwalking' motive in the flute at the very end could be seen as expressing that the wayfarer will continue his aimless wandering after waking from the dream under the linden-tree.

In many cases, yes there are. They aren't necessarily correct; but becoming familiar with them is a good first step, which the original poster is quite right to initiate. Well done, say I.