Gustav Mahler
1860-1911 · Austrian-Bohemian (Kaliste/Vienna/New York) · Late Romanticism
Known for: Composer of monumental symphonies that contain 'the whole world' and legendary opera conductor who terrified orchestras
Mahler said 'A symphony must be like the world - it must contain everything' and proved it in nine completed symphonies that swing between transcendent beauty and savage irony. He was also the most demanding opera conductor of his age, driving orchestras to exhaustion.
He was Jewish, converted to Catholicism for career advancement, suffered antisemitic attacks, and consulted Freud about his failing marriage to Alma. His daughter's death and his own heart condition darkened his final works.
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