Mahler

Gustav Mahler (1860–1911) was a composer and conductor who represented the late Romantic period in Austria. Born into a Jewish family, he demonstrated musical talent from an early age. After studying at the Vienna Conservatory, he thrived as a conductor in various opera houses, serving as the music director of the Hamburg State Opera and the Vienna Court Opera.

As a composer, he focused on symphonies and songs, leaving behind nine completed symphonies and an unfinished Tenth Symphony, which includes “Das Lied von der Erde” (“The Song of the Earth”). His symphonies often feature massive orchestration and extensive structures, dealing with philosophical, religious, and cosmic themes.

In the realm of songs, his notable works include “Des Knaben Wunderhorn” (“The Boy’s Magic Horn”), “Kindertotenlieder” (“Songs on the Death of Children”), and the “Rückert-Lieder,” which are often associated with his symphonies. As a conductor, he possessed exceptional skill and served as a bridge from the late Romantic period to modernity.

In 1907, he became the conductor of the New York Philharmonic and worked in America, but he fell ill and passed away in Vienna in 1911. His works were re-evaluated in the latter half of the 20th century and are now central to the classical music repertoire.