This work is a tone poem in three movements. The first, the "Song of Eternal Longing, " begins with flutes and clarinets prominent in their lower registers. Later on the English horn and the violins exchange melodic material. Dark colors and a mood of brooding predominate as sustained singing lines proceed in a richly chromatic harmonic environment. Eventually the movement reaches a powerful climax for the full orchestra.

The second movement is called "Song of Love and Death" and partakes of a similar tone and textures as the proceeding song. Toward the end there are some striking chorale-like sections, and the movement concludes with a moving pianissimo passage for violins in their high register.

The third movement, the "Song of Eternal Being, " moves in a different sphere than the others. It begins with some peremptory brass fanfares, and features some striking passages based on the overtone series that make a powerful contrast to the chromatic passages of all three movements. Some quick triplets in the strings help establish the awe-inspired atmosphere, and brass fanfares figure prominently in the movement's climaxes.

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