Mahler, Gustav. (b. Kaliste, Austria, 7 July 1869; d. Vienna, 18 May 1911)
Mahler was both a composer and conductor. Having studied in Vienna, he made his conducting debut in 1880. Positions with seven European orchestras followed. His performances of Wagner's Ring in Prague, (1885) and London, (1892) were remarkable. He also conducted at the Metropolitan Opera, New York, (1907-10).
As conductor and artistic director at the Vienna Staatsoper (1897-1907) he built up an ensemble of singers for a series of productions which made the company famous. His motto ΓÇ£tradition is slovenlinessΓÇ¥ led to careful reconsideration of scores and new departures in opera scenic and costume design. His autocratic and perfectionist approach in rehearsal led, on one occasion, to singers walking out on him, and even threatening to challenge him to a duel.
Mahler's own output as an opera composer has largely been lost. His main forms were the Lied and the symphony; and five out of his eleven symphonies incorporate song. In these and in a series of song-cycles, he has left some of the most beautiful works ever written for the voice They were largely unappreciated in his own time, but have experienced a passionate revival in the concert and recital hall over the past thirty years.
