A Proper Introduction To Gustav Mahler (1860-1911)

Let’s get emotionally drained together with two long blocks of uninterrupted Mahler. One movement each from almost all of his symphonies. Featuring conductors James Levine, Klaus Tennstedt, Benjamin Zander and Claudio Abbado on the first five symphonies, followed by Rafael Kubelik, Daniel Barenboim, and Herbert von Karajan.

Mahler was the last great symphonist in the tradition of Haydn and Beethoven, and the last great romantic of the 19th dentury. He was at the end of an era and he seemed to realize it. Mahler knew his place in the world (and he knew Arnold Schoenberg). Mahler had more self-awareness than most of us can imagine. He dug deep into life and had a profound understanding of human emotions. His music takes you on a ride and may make you uncomfortable, if you listen carefully.. Mahler knew how to make an orchestra sound like the voice in your head. There is something about his music that can convey an adoration of all Life, as well as a fear of Death. Enjoy.