말러의 제8번 교향곡과 괴테 『파우스트』의 문학사상

Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 and Goethe’s Literary Ideas in Faust

While in Gustav Mahler’s Symphonies Nos. 1 through 7 a certain subjective style of composition predominates, with Symphony No.8 which he once called a kind of “mass,” he intended it to bear some attributes of musica mundana (cosmic music). Its sacrament-like objectivity consists in that in the two-part symphony we are led to recognize the limitations of human ability, ultimately pointing to a new way toward the best solution to the problems of human condition. For the purpose of suggesting several examples of the solution, the composer puts in the symphony one place of ‘our weakness’ (“Infirma nostri corporis”) in Part I and the other one of “Das Unzulängliche” in Part Ⅱ. All this makes a process of overcoming alienation and loss. which is essential to redemption for one who ever strives with all his/her power. As is conspicuous, this leitmotif in the symphony derives from the grand theme of Goethe’s Faust, particularly in its Second Part. The way to redemption and spiritually being alive is clear for those who never cease to try hard to overcome human weakness and restrictions (“Gerettet ist das edle Glied”), with their hearts being filled with heavenly grace (“Impule superna gratia”) and flowing profusely with God’s love (“Infunde amorem cordibus”).