#138 The Smell of Obligation

Emotions do not count. You have to go on. Death, victory–you are obliged to listen to the drum. The wheel is turning no matter what. Feind, Feind, Feind!

I've heard Hampson singing Des Knaben Wunderhorn several years ago. He was great and he's still great. Believable, flexible, with intrinsic authority. Here with a chamber orchestra, he's even more convincing. And when the orchestra is rattling bones (4'55''), it forces you to stand up and follow the drum. Trallali, Mr Mahler!

Composer: Gustav Mahler
Work: Des Knaben Wunderhorn, Revelge
Recording: Thomas Hampson, Wiener Virtuosen