Mahler concentrated for many years on the work of poet Friedrich Rückert – a somewhat conservative choice for a composer who fl irted with modernism. Even when he did not mean to do so, Mahler still wrote primarily about himself. Shortly after the Kindertotenlieder were completed Mahler’s daughter died. In the words of the composer: “Writing these songs was painful, and it will also be painful to hear them”. The Kindertotenlieder, laden with emotions prove that music as heavy as lead can contain the lightness of genuine beauty. With Pecková’s voice rising above the thinned-out timbre of the deFilharmonie orchestra conductued by Herreweghe, this will be a very rewarding evening. Music by Mahler’s teacher, Anton Bruckner will also be featured on tonight’s programme.