Mahler: His Life, Work and World

by Kurt Blaukopf (Editor), Zoltan Roman (Contributor), Herta Blaukopf (Editor)

Gustav Mahler was one of the greatest conductors and composers of his time, acclaimed throughout Europe and America for his full-blooded interpretations of a repertoire that ranged from Mozart and Beethoven to Wagner and Strauss, and for his own richly orchestrated pieces. Today his music is almost a intensely emotional and evocative, it stirs and inspires the listener, and it awakens curiosity as to the nature of the man who created it.This book brings together a wealth of contemporary material--letters, reviews, concert programs, diary extracts--to create a picture of Mahler in his own words and those of his friends, colleagues, and critics. From his early childhood to the days of his final triumphs in Vienna and New York, his life, attitudes, beliefs, conflicts, loves, and losses are recorded and presented in vivid detail.

Genres: Music, Biography

256 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2000

Reviews

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a dry, technical read packed with detail of the musical genius and his Life's quest to bring clarity & precision to Music. A driven man whose CV includes all the top Opera & Concert Halls, Composers, Artists of The Sescession and Philosophers of the day. Not always appreciated, but evidently highly regarded he appears modest, impartial and generous. Literally worked himself to a standstill and died at only 52. Latterly his work became recognised because of his quest for 'total art' and his meticulous attention to staging, lighting, acoustics which paved the way to today's modern productions: the advent of Recording Studios came too late for him but enables us to hear what he sought.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read for any fan of Mahler. You get a real sense of Mahler's personality, his wit and sardonic humour. Another thing that comes across is the great love that lots of people had for him, its a treasure for a Mahler fan like me.

[Shimon Edelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning. The book is the most unconventional biography: the text consists exclusively of historical documents and fragments of Mahler's own correspondence. The effect is that of a window into his life, with minimal distortion at the hands of the biographer.

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good photos, jumbled information where book does not live up to title.