Urlicht (from 'Des Knaben Wunderhorn')

'Urlicht' belongs to Mahler's Wunderhornlieder. The song is also used in in his second symphony called 'Auferstehung'. The text of the song deals about the great pain and despair that mankind is living in and his longing to be in heaven. Finally on his way there, an angel tries to send him back, but fails. The dear God will give him a light for eternity. The text 'Rösschen rot' in the beginning of the song refers to the Holy Mary and having heard that, the brass-section plays a kind of prayer. After that, the alto begins the journey to eternal life.