Gustav Mahler – Das Lied von der Erde (The Song of the Earth) – A programmatic work with a more philosophical than literal narrative, this symphonic work includes two soloists and is loosely based on poetry from the Tang dynasty. This work is an excellent opportunity for students to practice their listening skills on an instrumental work that has some programmatic meaning but also a significant amount of more abstract thematic development.

Ludwig van Beethoven – Symphony No. 9 D minor “Choral” – Mentioned in previous Supplemental Listening sections, this symphony continues to hold a significant place in the Western cultural mythos. Often considered a work of insurmountable genius, never to be matched by future composers, the mythology that surrounds this work serves as a powerful argument that instrumental music and meaning, with or without programmatic elements, exists as a significant part of our Western understanding of what constitutes “art” music and compositional prowess. Students interested in history, political science, international affairs, and cultural studies should know this work and should listen ready to hear the cultural meanings that have been heaped upon Beethoven’s Ninth. From the Berlin Wall to A Clockwork Orange, this one symphony shares significant cultural moments with listeners and became the soundtrack for a myriad of important historical moments.