Ensemble: piccolo, flute, oboe, english horn, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, string bass, harp

In 1883, a singer named Johanna Richter made a guest appearance in the court theater at Cassel, Germany, where Gustav Mahler was the conductor. As a result of this engagement she entered into a regular contract at the theater, and Mahler soon fell deeply in love with her. The affair was not successful, though, and by the end of the year it was all over.

The young musician eased his disappoint...