Gustav Mahler: A Study Of His Personality And Work

By Paul Stefan-Gruenfeldt and Paul Stefan

Book Overview

In the twilight of Vienna's fin de si cle, a singular voice echoed through concert halls and salons alike-Gustav Mahler, whose symphonies bridged the worlds of late Romanticism and modernity. Paul Stefan's masterful composer monograph unravels both the music and the man, offering a rare scholarly composer biography that penetrates the enigmatic personality behind some of the most searching orchestral works ever written. What drove Mahler's creative vision? How did the currents of Austro-German music history, the influence of Bruckner and the rivalry with Richard Strauss, shape his restless genius? This is essential reading for anyone drawn to the inner workings of great minds. With clarity and insight, Stefan guides readers through a nuanced mahler symphonies analysis, drawing connections between the composer's life, his turbulent era, and his transformative scores. This is not only a composer personality study but also a musicology reference guide, revealing how Mahler's music became a crucible for the anxieties and aspirations of his age. The book's vivid evocation of Vienna's cultural ferment and its deft tracing of the Bruckner Mahler connection make it indispensable for music students, classical music scholarship, and anyone captivated by the intellectual life of the Richard Strauss era. Republished by Alpha Editions in a careful modern edition, this volume preserves the spirit of the original while making it effortless to enjoy today - a heritage title prepared for readers and collectors alike. Rich in detail and alive to the emotional stakes of Mahler's journey, Stefan's study stands as both a foundational reference and a moving portrait. For casual readers curious about the world of late Romantic symphonies, or collectors seeking a cultural treasure from a pivotal period in music, this is a book to savour.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9354412793
• ISBN13: 9789354412790
• Release Date: February 2021
• Publisher: Alpha Edition
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.49 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"