‘Das Lied von der Erde’ at the Teatro di San Carlo

This month, Eric Cutler sings Mahler’s powerful Das Lied von der Erde at the Teatro di San Carlo, under the baton of Juraj Valčuha. Performances take place on October 12 & 13 with the Orchestra del Teatro di San Carlo, featuring contralto Daniela Sindram. Regarded as one of Mahler’s most celebrated works, Das Lied von der Erde was composed following the most painful period of the composer’s life, and the songs address themes as those of living, parting, and salvation.

Mr. Cutler performed the work twice last season: first with Tonhalle Orchester Zurich and then with Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Both performances garnered critical acclaim:

“Tenor Eric Cutler and baritone Matthias Goerne each distinguished themselves with gripping vocal work, melting into the orchestra’s sound at times and keening and cutting through at others. The PSO, too, was in excellent form, expertly conjuring different feelings and ambiances.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

“Iowa-born tenor Eric Cutler is a recent Lohengrin (Brussels), Erik (Flying Dutchman, Baden-Baden) and Florestan (Hamburg). A great bear of a man in the mould of John Mitchinson, Cutler was mightily impressive. He had, above all, the sheer volume required to override the vast orchestral forces mounted against him in the first song. Cutler was charming in ‘Youth’, accompanied by chirpy, chattering woodwind. In his final song, also telling of drink, Cutler was lusty, evocative through diction and actions, and brought each song to life. Both soloists were telling a story in each case, not just singing the notes. Top notes were successfully reached, and most impressively held.” (Seen and Heard International)