Johan de Meij's 4th Symphony for solo voice, children's choir and wind orchestra is inspired by a variety of 19th century German poems.
The first three movements use lyrics from the same source as Gustav Mahler did earlier: Kindertotenlieder by Friedrich Ruckert.:
- Ein Jahr ist nun geschwunden
- Wenn zur Thur herein
- Wiedersehn
The second half of the symphony continues on the death theme, using a poem by Heinrich Heine (Two Brothers). The last two songs, Early Spring and Song of the Harlequin by Hugo von Hofmannsthal are a metaphor for rebirth, new life and hope
- Zwei Bruder (Heinrich Heine)
- Vorfruhling (Hugo von Hofmannsthal)
- Liedchen des Harlekin (Hugo von Hofmannsthal)
Duration: 30:00