A full-length documentary journey into the music and personal drama that resulted in Gustave Mahler’s prophetic and exhilarating Second Symphony. When composing the work, Mahler addressed the core questions of the meaning of life and of death. As the film shows, Mahler developed his own rich responses to these questions that do not correspond to established dogmas. Shot on location in Austria, Germany, Italy, and the United States, Of Love, Death and Beyond includes historical reenactments and interviews with many of the world’s most respected Mahler scholars, as well as noted philosophers and theologians. Weaving through the documentary is a critically acclaimed performance of the Symphony produced especially for the film, featuring Neeme Järvi conducting an all-star Orchestra composed of musicians from the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony, and Detroit Symphony. The large forces also include the renowned New York Choral Artists, and soloists Twyla Robinson and Susanne Mentzer. Narrated by Thomas Hampson. Subtitles in English, French, German, and Italian.

Bonus performances:

• Thomas Hampson sings “Des Antonius von Padua Fischpredigt” (from Des Knaben Wunderhorn)

• Neuer Knabenchor, Hamburg perform “Die Auferstehung” (Klopstock)

*Special deluxe two-disc set includes the complete performance of the Symphony.

Color, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound / Dolby 2.0 Stereo, 16.9 Widescreen, 88 minutes (Documentary) / 91 minutes (Symphony), All regions