Keeping Score | Gustav Mahler: Origins (FULL DOCUMENTARY AND CONCERT)

[@RobvanderHilst]

This is probably the best introduction to the person and works of Gustav Mahler. Many thanks to brilliant conductor and thinker about music, Michael Tilson Thomas!

[@Russell_Huston]

Agreed.

[@InCAdocumentaries]

We're so proud to have worked with MTT and the San Francisco Symphony to create this series, between 2002 and 2011. I hope it's available to everyone, worldwide, for as long as possible. David Kennard, InCA Productions, San Francisco.

[@Fernwald84]

Superbly done, David!

[@netuno60]

Great work David. Thank you!

[@erpollock]

These documentaries are a complete revelation, as I don't own a TV and never saw MTT speak and conduct before. He is superb and the entire endeavor is amazing.

[@jonathansprout22]

I’ve recently discovered this series and will study every one. This is amazing filmmaking and analysis that offers levels of understanding you simply can’t get from books.

[@superblondeDotOrg]

there are a lot of words spoken in this video but so far have seen zero actual musical score shown on-screen and explained. WHY ?!? this is not a documentary it is an infomercial for mahler. this video is a complete failure in the illustration of how music works. it is absolutely unbelievable yet disappointingly the status quo that a professional videographer and a professional conductor and a professional symphony organization would create a video which presents near ZERO actual information about THE MUSIC. All the funders of this video should be deeply ashamed.

[@1000pollak]

My grandfather was born in Iglau in 1885 and once saw Mahler striding across a square in Vienna wearing a black cloak. I have loved Mahler's music since the 60s. In this film, I enjoyed seeing Iglau again. You can see (in one shot) a modern block in the middle of the main square; on that site there was previously a historic block of houses with shops on the ground floor. My great grandfather, Max Pollak, had his bakery there.

[@cippiomerlino7955]

Wow, amazing story

[@donaldallen1771]

Wonderful remembrances. Thank you for sharing these with us.

[@pricepdx]

David, thank you!

[@stefanufer608]

An amazing memory

[@1000pollak]

@L M Yes of course, but it was Iglau when grandpa was born, and that's what we called it in the family. I've been to Czechia and regard myself as a quarter Czech - but that lovely little town will always be Iglau to me.

[@johnvaughan7096]

I was in Oxford in the late 1960s and had bought a cheap record player. Me and 5 student mates lived in the country just outside and the Sunday Times advertised Mahler 1 & 4 so I sent off to impress any wayfaring maidens who happened to pass. After 3 minutes of the discs arriving, I was blown into outer space and now, thanks to KZbin, play all Mahler's symphonies every week. Stupendous vision!!! What a man! What a soul!

[@jandrewscali]

Thank you SFS and MTT for leading me back to Mahler. It can be a harrowing journey!

[@KrystofDreamJourney]

Incredibly well put together video series about G.Mahler. Probably the best of its kind available on KZbin. MUST WATCH !

[@Quotenwagnerianer]

I came to Mahler quite early. Sometime around my first year in primary school my father bought me a recording of his 1st Symphony (Muti conducting) and said: "Have fun". Then I asked for more and he gave me his old Tennstedt recording of the 3rd. From that moment on I was an addict.

[@shirleysvoice]

I have been in love with Mahler my whole life. Tilsen .-Thomas’s essay about him is wonderful , also Leonard Bernsteins.II sang his songs many times in my concerts and each time I was moved again. I think it would take a lifetime to totally understand him .

[@pricepdx]

I was thrilled to realize a few years ago that there are only 3 degree of separation between GM and me. My horn teacher played in the Columbia Symphony's 1961 recording of the magnificent Ninth. In documentary tapes of the session, one can hear Bruno Walter personally addressing my teacher: "Louder, Mr. Lott." Fantastic!

[@enriquesanchez2001]

Hahahahah loved it!♥

[@kurochkinamariya]

Price Luber haha once I’ve also realised my connection with Mahler. I’m studying conducting in Moscow conservatory in the class of prof. Dronov, who studied by Kitaenko, who studied by Ginsburg, who studied by Klemperer)

[@pricepdx]

@@kurochkinamariya Maria a marvelous chain of students and teachers. Thank you for your comment. I have just subscribed to your youtube channel and look forward to seeing your videos! BTW my father, chain of teacher-student organists goes all the way to JS Bach. I feel privileged.

[@josephcarlbreil5380]

@@kurochkinamariya A great chain of command there.

[@kurochkinamariya]

Price Luber thank you so much for your kind words and subscribing to my channel! Oh, your father’s chain looks much cooler than everyone’s here! That’s really interesting to look for these connections with the great past)

[@adastra123]

Going to see a performance of his 1st symphony tonight !!!!!!!! . I watched this video 2 years ago . I am watching it again teo hours before it begins tonight. Thanks so so much for this explanation. 💗

[@erpollock]

Fascinating connections between Mahler's childhood and youth and themes of the First Symphony.

[@luisaamanda1414]

One of the greatest symphonies ever writen!!! This video has been such a beautiful gift for me, because this Symphony is my favorite of all times. Listening all the datails of Mahler´s life and how he was inspired to compose it, has been such a delight to me. Thansk you very much maestro!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL...¡VIVA LA MUSICA POR SIEMPRE!!

[@Daniel3NT]

1st symp. is such a show-off, a brash young composer saying to the world "hey, look at all the tricks I know!"

[@laurentcesari]

Michael Tilson Thomas : si talentueux, si charmant, avec un physique d’étudiant à plus de 70 ans.

[@Shurvoice]

Fabulous Fabulous Fabulous. I was not aware of this series. This is priceless. Please do more!

[@SYH777]

My God, my first Mahler. How can that be? Thank you Maestro MTT. At the final burst of the symphony - no.1 - I burst out crying. Long and loudly. How can this be? What is this sobbing? What music!

[@abk8445]

Michel Tilson Thomas, thank you. Thank you for creating the series. They are treaures of America, global treasure created by you and SF symphony. In fact they will remain the the histry of classical music and will change lives, as the music changed yours. Your artistry, your vision, your passion, and your knowledge is truly appreciated. You will stay in all music lovers hearts. Thank you Micheal Tilson Thomas.

[@flylooper]

I've been studying, listening, and loving Mahler's music for years, having come to him somewhat late in my life. This video Produced by the SFSO and MTT is wonderful and is one of my prized DVD's. Five years go I was fortunate enough to lay flowers on his grave in Vienna.

[@aliguraiffi9789]

Thank you for posting this on KZbin and making this accessible to everyone.

[@dmntuba]

Dear MTT, Thank you for sharing with us your knowledge, passion, insights, and love of music. You have not only given us many wonderful performances, but educated us and helped us explore/understand music and what makes it so special, important to us. Thank you

[@belindaintexas8789]

What an awesome video! Michael Tilson Thomas opens up the magic of Mahler in such a beautiful way. Thank you so much ...

[@davidmayhew8083]

I first heard this in my late teens in the late 60's. I was so lucky to be that age when Bernstein and others introduced this great music to the world in remarkable recordings. Now I'm in my late 60s. To hear this across the expanse makes me want to cry. Mahler came along at just the right time and I am eternally grateful.

[@1000pollak]

I feel exactly the same.

[@DonaldSosinJoannaSeaton]

@@1000pollak Same for me. Heard the 1st Symphony in 1966 thanks to a dear old Viennese musicologist who put the Bruno Walter LP in my hands. I'm 68 now and listen to his music all the time. Have you heard the great Abbado performance currently free on the Berlin Phil website?

[@1000pollak]

@@DonaldSosinJoannaSeaton No I haven't and thanks for the tip.

[@DonaldSosinJoannaSeaton]

@@1000pollak You bet. And many other great Abbado performances. His Brahms Req is out of this world.

[@Pianolisapark315]

Beautiful band, fantastic symphony. Great conductor. Amazing share. Fantastic video.

[@nicolasferri304]

gracias al san francisco symphony por este documental y este concierto, desde argentina estoy feliz por descubrir este director y escuchar esta maravillosa música y además poder aprender con esta maravillosa producción. increíble. ojalá algún día pueda viajar a san francisco y poder escuchar y ver un concierto de su orquesta. que gran domingo para mí. el arte se siente, pero cuando se enseña y se entiende se siente más profundo.

[@TheSutov]

such compelling, true and beautiful music. I live close by Ljubljana, the capitol of Slovenia, which is very proud to have been one of the spots on the young geniouse's yourney. If you get a chance to stop by the Slovene Philharmonic Hall, you'll see Mahler's bronze portrait in the lobby and a contemporary full figure in bronze at the banks of the Ljubljanica river right next to. Bravo, MTT

[@Fernwald84]

I believe Mahler's second conducting job was in Ljubljana.

[@adastra123]

Thank you so much for this. It is the best introduction to Mahler I have seen without loosing people in academic pomposity.

[@lovettboston]

I've known the symphony for more than 55 years, but it was great to hear some of the "source" music from Mahler's hometown. I've long suspected that he drew on these kinds of ambient sounds, but I never before heard the connections made so strongly. Mahler is hardly the first composer to draw on popular and ceremonial music, but he breaks new ground by keeping more of the untamed quality, and by his use of musical perspective.

[@robertodelacanal6935]

¡Maravilloso! Conocí esta sinfonía a mis 14 años, y enloquecí. No podía dejar de moverme -bailar- en el movimiento final. Cada vez que la escucho me conmueve, como TODA la música de Mahler. Hoy tengo ya 78 años.

[@capezyo]

Fantastic!! Thank you Maestro...more please...

[@Listenerandlearner870]

A fantastic documentary on the early life of Mahler with visits to various places in the Austro-Hungarian empire then a concert of the work. Exemplary insight into Mahler's musical wonderland.

[@davidkuder4356]

No words to do justice to this synthesis of visual, sonic & interpretive.. beauty. Gott sei dank. What a gift you have given us. So grateful to have found it. I could go on, but eyes full of .. you know

[@barriegott8584]

What wonderful insight into the music of Mahler. My first performance with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra was Mahler 1. I played the 5th trumpet. Great memories.

[@JoshuaEssary]

Thank you for making this available on KZbin. I absolutely love the Keeping Score series and I've always wanted to see a Mahler version. Beautiful words, visuals, and performances. I love watching the camera movement and angles from the symphony performances.

[@wolfgangresch1650]

I've watched five times already!! Thanks and God bless Maestro for giving this genius his due- everyone has a composer who speaks to them like no other- I'm 60 years old and read about Mahler when I was a child and didn't hear him until I was 50- first the adaghetto and then finale of fourth- now I have all his compositions and am endlessly amazed-like you said, Mahler's symphonies are national parks, and I never get tired visiting-thanks again for all you and SF symphony do for us 🥰

[@charlesemmons388]

MTT, Thank you; these documentaries and performances are wonderful!

[@germelinaobrien5277]

Very grateful for this documentary ,with the best element of surprises ever perceptible in the music.

[@danieldillaquintero9482]

I have no words to describe the quality of this episode. Congratulations to the all people involved there. Thanks.

[@dylan3501]

Wow! This series is a big treasure chest. Thank you so much! Totally in love

[@johnmaryn4497]

A wonderful documentary. Inspirational. Educational. Thank you, Maestro and SF Symphony. Mahler reminds me of my great fortune to spend a year in Vienna as a music student in 1971-72. In standing room, I saw over 50 operas and 50 concerts, including Bernstein’s historic Mahler concerts in the spring of 72. At every performance of the Vienna Opera I attended, an elderly woman would sit in the same standing room place with a small light and opera score. Some said that she was someone special to Mahler. I wonder. Thank you again for this video.

[@jazzporridge1506]

Thanks to all the SFS musicians and a/v tech folk who brought this miracle to us. I'm an avid RAH prommer and was privileged to experience this band play this very piece within touching distance of MTT's pants a few years ago. (They followed the David Attenborough Prom and for TV the stage had been extended to the arena rail). As former amateur fiddler I was in awe of the ensemble and sonic shimmer, having never been so close to a pro string section previously. The fauencore - restarting the symphony - was class on stilts. I left duly face-melted. The tremendous camera-work gives us an insight into how a great orchestra pulses and breathes (no beatings here). Great biographical context overture, maestro. Magnificent work all over the place. Thanks again.

[@curtisgrindahl446]

Wow! The best production quality I've seen coupled with wonderful story telling by the conductor followed by a very moving performance of this huge symphony. What delight! Thank you so much SFS for sharing this.

[@blackbrownbeige55]

What a wonderful and fascinating insight into Mahler's world. Brilliance, Thank you!

[@charliekim2939]

I am about a half way into this video. The best introduction and commentary to Mahler I have ever seen/heard. I used to like Mahler #1 in which, I thought, I hear "Titan" roaring in the 4th movement. Now I know its title "Titan" was just a cheesy, marketing aid. I am glad to know Symphony #1, in reality, is a part of his own biography. I need to listen and rediscover Mahler's music again.

[@varelion]

53:16 „A symphony of life“. Two big pictures or figures arise when I think about the whole structure of the symphony. The first theme is a more simplistic one: A young wayfarer sets out to meet the big, unknown world outside of his homeland, plunge into life and struggles to become a master of his craft. At the same time I see a young composer who also struggles to become a master by producing his first master piece. To achieve this, he has to meet life like the wayfarer and condense his experiences into musical language. So I switch constantly between both personifications of the hero in this symphony. In the first movement both characters are in a misty dawn situation at the uncertain beginning of their way. Slowly they start, then they get more confident and go on with happiness. They embrace the awakening nature and feel one with the world. Some difficulties or steep hills occur and have to be overcome. The characters experience their first successes with joy and initial triumph. In the second movement our heroes meet the inner circle of life and reproduction. The wayfarer may have come to a village center in which people dance and he may join. The composer gives us a picture of the earthly sphere, life and love as a concentric round dance, partly stomping with vigor, partly moving gently in complicated Laendler couple figures. After the earthly sphere of life comes necessarily the area of death. I imagine how the wayfarer, after leaving the vivid dancing village, enters a dark forest and suddenly spots a group of animals carrying the huntsman to his grave. The composer confronts us with less enjoyable experiences, that of death and decay. He undergoes grief, depression and Weltschmerz mixed with irony. So he flees to a memory or into a daydream of a linden tree, that comforts him by gently burying him with it’s blossoms, so that he finally feels at peace and one with the world. But that was just short-lasting escapism. The funeral theme gradually comes through again, fades, but persists. Now, this is the end of a life circle for a normal person. But our hero wants more. There is an opus to create. So the hero breaks free from the chains of death and of limited life in a violent uprising and continues his way despite all obstacles, marching more determined than ever towards his goal. Even encountering a sphere of true heavenly beauty and love can not stop him for long. The way must be pursued to the end. The path is retaken, slowly at first. The adversities become worse and so the physical struggle for our wayfarer as a mirror for the composer’s mounting existential suffering. But well-earned success is achieved. One last time the wayfarer-composer goes through all his experiences on his path, as if he takes a deep breath before the last peak. He recalls the dark beginning, dwells on the encouragement by nature sounds and indulges passionately in beautiful feelings. Still driven by his call the hero continues his way. He goes faster, because now no memory stands in his way and he seems to be more experienced. But the last part of his mission demands an extraordinary painful effort until the ultimate triumph is granted. Rafael Kubelik wrote about Mahler’s first symphony that an opus can only be reached by undergoing pain. And I think that got right to the core of the issue. We as listeners suffer with the hero. We experience uncertainty, enthusiastic mood, joy, darkest moments, cynicism and finally triumph. The hero and the ambitious composer must undergo all stages of human life including death and then break the earthly limitations to reach immortality. So, this symphony could be regarded as a kind of personal mystery myth. Perhaps Mahler saw himself in the tradition of an uprising, suffering and creating hero and therefore called his first symphony temporarily “Titan”.

[@miladirani4313]

Great documantary , world needs to this music and art more

[@roberthunt1540]

The First and Fourth Symphonies are the accessible ones. The Ninth is terrifying. Bernstein's elucidation of the final notes of that symphony sort of work as a bookend to what MTT is describing here. The arc of Mahler's work is ultimately tragic. The last gasp of Western Civilization before the great wars.

[@chrislong6999]

it was marvellous to see this, adding a great dimension to my understanding the early life of the great Gustav Mahler. as was said he exemplified every possible . motion that we possess he is, and always will be my favourite composer.

[@hanzhang99]

Thank you MTT and SFO. This is the best interpretation of Mahler 1 I've ever watched! Bravo!

[@gary1251]

The drama - w/out trauma - simply relaxing letting the mind absorb every note ! I feel so blessed to have such disciplined musicians in my life, on You Tube Aloha from Hilo

[@jonathanvinocour2587]

Looking forward to this! I was brand new to the orchestra when we made this, and it was an amazing introduction to the world of Mahler with MTT and the SFS.

[@Listenerandlearner870]

Violas are at the heart of the action. I hope the brass aren't too loud. I would guess that in Mahler's day the brass were not as loud as they usually are today. It's a really beautiful interesting performance anyway.

[@roberthoward6590]

Hi Jonathan, This is great! am part of the tech crew for broadcasting a zoom class on Mahler. The teacher, Derald DeYoung assigned this video for the class to listen to. Your parents are our next door neighbors in Estes.

[@jonathanvinocour2587]

@@roberthoward6590 Hope to meet you out in Colorado one of these summers!

[@ShaneBaker]

THANK YOU! The first is one of my favourite pieces - and the introductory documentary in this video was a revelation for me.

[@Wowmusicable]

I discovered Mahler in my late teens when I first heard Symphony no 5 on CD and was amazed by the first movement. After that I discovered more and more of Mahlers symphonies. It was about 20 years ago and Mahler has been my favorite composer since then. 🙂

[@gwkodiak]

“Sonic goulash” ! What a great Czech way to refer to Mahler’s music! Bravo.

[@CLASSICALFAN100]

SG would be a great name for a goth band...lol

[@Daniel3NT]

Mahler's music sounds like a color film, while all the rest sound like films in black and white. Those can be nice too, but they just dont have that Mahler richness and sonic palette.

[@jameshaley8834]

Thomas is such a great artist I never tire of listening to him. His every word must be recorded!

[@DanieleSRD]

Beautiful film. Thanks for sharing.

[@qdHazen]

Mahler: *1st moments of 1st movement of Symphony no. 1* Me: Space... the Final Frontier...

[@brentmarquez4157]

Alexander Courage: "I found it first, back off!"

[@mikewaite3746]

These Are the Voyages of the Starship Enterprise

[@bcBiz]

Thank you! I first heard Mahler around 1960 and was "hooked" on his music. Lovely

[@DavidA-ps1qr]

This is vastly informative. Who knows what really went on inside Gustav Mahler's head? I still find it difficult to believe any human being could think what Mahler managed to write but this is a fascinating insight into it.

[@porterbrass]

I saw Yannick Nézet-Séguin and the Rotterdam Phlharmonic perform Mahler 1 in Cologne Germany-October 2016 and it was an earthquake in my musical life. I’m totally enthralled now with all of Mahlers work and Yannicks amazing interpretations of anything he touches. Thank you Michael, for presenting such an excellent documentary on the intriguing life of Gustav Mahler. I’m also a huge fan of you, the SF Symphony, Nick Platoff, and your amazing brass section!! Cheers from Buffalo!

[@netuno60]

Amazing documentary. Amazing video work and amazing Gustav Mahler music. Thank you so much for delivering this treasure to us for free. And amazing Michael Tilson Thomas too.

[@robertperez2262]

I discovered Mahler late in life, at about 18. The vocalist described Mahler exactly how my aural skills professor did. Recently I discovered his Kindertotenlieder. So overwhelmingly beautiful, poignant, and all those emotions. The second symphony will always be my favorite.

[@jameshicks2231]

Such a great presentation of this ridiculously awesome piece of music. The map explanation really sealed the deal. Thank you MTT and SFS. Wonderful performance of Mahler 1.

[@marinakochavy9999]

Thank you for wonferfull jorney

[@HPLeft]

Beautiful job by TT in explaining the nuances of this wonderful score.

[@edwardtodd9734]

After that Prom season, I concentrated on opera, and never came across MTT again. Am grateful to him for the insights in this video

[@arkination]

Mahler... the original baller.

[@Inouye10]

Hello Christopher - LOVE this comment!!

[@bonniebrauer3338]

@@Inouye10 RIGHT ON !!!

[@klaushaunstrupchristensen7252]

What a delight to watch and listen to. My favorite composers happens to be Joseph Haydn and Gustav Mahler. Not that it matters, but it’s certainly matters in my life.

[@Richard-b5r9v]

Mahler is my favourite composer followed closely behind by Bruckner

[@SarJaneK]

Thank you for making this available for the public. This series was instrumental in my ongoing passion for music. Thank you!

[@JanPBtest]

Would be great if Salonen's arm could be twisted into continuing this series. No specific schedules or deadlines for releases, just when the mood is right. Suggestions: Penderecki, Bruckner, Holst?

[@notaire2]

Sehr verständliche und zugleich informative Dokumentation über den Ursprung von diesem unvergleichlichen Musiker zusammen mit vielen Beispielen aus seiner Musik. Vielen Dank!

[@anitagendler3812]

This documentary is fantastic and I so appreciate your valuable work and insight into Mahler’s life and music!

[@ashleythorpe7933]

My favourite symphony

[@adastra123]

Second comment , this is BRILLIANT . I am over 50 and only now thanks to this video I am wanting more and more of Mahler. Thank you so much again for this brilliant introduction and explanation. Please take a bow as I am giving you a standing ovation.

[@Kragsbjerg]

I adore the whole Keeping Score series, most of all this film ♥️

[@Rosangela161]

Thank you. Marvelous gift.

[@gwkodiak]

Let’s not forget, prior to the 1st Symphony, which was composed in Leipzig, Mahler worked at the Opéra hose in Prague!

[@luzrodas519]

A truly art work. Marvelous! Thank you!

[@porcinet1968]

finding that "and he shall reign" is in that finale is something of a find! the constant quotation and reference in Mahler is one of those things I never tire of exploring, because it's being used to create a language.

[@ragadolls]

“Away with programs, they arouse false impressions. Leave the public to their own thoughts about the work they are to hear... If a composer himself has forced on his listeners the feelings which overwhelmed him, then he has achieved his object. The language of music has then approached that of the word, but has communicated immeasurably more than the word is able to express." Gustav Mahler

[@stephenjablonsky1941]

In the midst of our pandemic here is a wonderful opportunity for distance learning. You don't have to go to class. You just sit in front of your computer and Professor Thomas will educate you in the most delightful way. His intelligence, humor, and musicality make him the perfect teacher. This is a wonderful way to learn about music, especially great music like Mahler 1, one of my most favorite pieces of music. Its marvelous melodies have rattled around my head for the past 65 years like a virus you cannot shake. Thank you Michael and thank you Gustav.

[@cynthiahawkins2389]

Such a joy to find this on YT! You're spot on about distance learning....Here in New Orleans, (July 2021)...at 73...I'm relocated with hubby from NYC now, just now...recovering from a wonky shoulder. I am relishing this wonderful opportunity to hear great music. MTT is so vital, so engaged, and the perfect teacher. I know "Lenny B" was a Mahler devotee as well. I am 73 now; Dad went to Juilliard on the GI Bill....later, he played with the Tucson Symphony...I lived in NYC for decades and often had the delight of visiting Lincoln Center.

[@luczegoth]

Fabulous documentary !

[@vilemflusser9794]

Absolute fascinating documentary, thx for uploading 👍❗️

[@יוסיבוקר-ד6ו]

Delightful video! Thanks for enlightening Mahler's music for all of us.

[@sophiatalksmusic3588]

I'm a big Mahler fan, so it's great to see this! Thanks for the documentary, and I'm looking forward to watching the rest of them!

[@JeremReutebuch]

This is wonderful! Thank you so much.

[@MatthewZakszewski-vb9fg]

He was a master number 11 like myself, Mozart, Borodin, Vivaldi, Krimsakov and Haydn. We take music seriously but these guys were in a class far above and beyond my own. But I love what they've left behind.

[@steveb9325]

Thank you so much for this beautiful music ❤

[@alfonsomango_suyu]

I started to listen to Mahler at 15. During my teen years and twenties his music was a true partner and confident while I struggled with everyday ups and downs. These last days of confinement: the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, DKW, KTL, DLVDE, LEFG, 5th, 6th, 7th, 9th, and 10th didn't fail me 👍🏻

[@Harriet-Jesamine]

Claudio Abbado conducting the 9th with Berlin Phil was what got me hooked onto mahler..

[@martynbutlerOBE]

Glorious - I LOVe the 1st - So looking forward to seeing MTT at the Barbican for Mahler ll :)

[@Fernwald84]

Having lived with Mahler's incomparable music for almost 60 years now I still find unending new experiences with it. As far as Mahler's life goes, he had the great misfortune to fall in love and marry Alma Schindler. Modern scholarship has now realized the fabrications she spread about Mahler--that he was sickly, that he was a tyrannical husband who forced her to give up her composing and otherwise made her life rather miserable. She managed to make Mahler feel guilty and responsible for her infidelity with Walter Gropius (which continued in Munich when Mahler was rehearsing for the premiere of his Eighth Symphony although Alma swore to him she was done with Gropius). In desperation he sought a consultation with Sigmund Freud in Leiden. During Mahler's last year (1910-11) she made plans to marry Gropius after his death. She actually waited four years to do this, using the time to have a two year tumultuous relation with the expressionist painter Oskar Kokoschka. She was unfaithful to Gropius, having an illegitimate child (Martin) by her eventual third husband, Franz Werfel. Alma had two children by Mahler, Maria ("Putzi") and Anna. Maria died at age 5, and Anna survived until the 1980s. Alma emotionally rejected Anna because she was half-Jewish and Alma was a virulent anti-Semite--even though two of her husbands were Jewish! I mention all this so that when you hear three pieces of Mahler's music that relate specifically to Alma, you might experience the irony around them. The pieces are the famous Adagietto of the Fifth Symphony, the lyrical second theme of the Sixth Symphony's opening movement and the art song Liebst du am Schönheit. Having bashed Alma, to her credit I believe she catalyzed Mahler's creativity to some extent. Certainly the Ninth and Tenth Symphonies would have been different without her influence.

[@sailingsam3815]

Great majestic sound

[@FredsBands]

I loved it. One of my favorite works. Very interesting to understand more of the origins. A few years ago I watched Alan Gilbert (with the NY Phil) do much the same on PBS. I loved it too. Thank you for this post.

[@eyalweinblum5157]

My favorite of all his symphonies

[@dianag.1997]

Amazing documentary! Thank you so much! I am going to the concert today to listen Gustav Mahler's Symphony 5 and now thanks to this wonderful movie I will have much enricher experience, knowing the whole background.That is truly fascinating!

[@Clivejvaughan]

Brilliant exposition - thank you !

[@ingorichter649]

Wow, His "Titan" more and more rises in my ranking of essential music for me. Thank You for this fantastic content. And ... Mr Pollak, thank You for Your story in the comments. I am also experienced to be close to a musician which is another part of the backbone of running music history. 🎵

[@isaacbarger16]

Please make another one of these please… They are so informative and the music is so touching. Thank you so much for putting together this wonderful performance.

[@Ashley-qc2sc]

Wonderful!

[@irajhekmati102]

A very interesting and wonderful documentary of Mahler life. I enjoyed this very much.recommend this for every one who could have access to it watch it.

[@Raulrpar]

Great material. Would it be possible get the subtitles in many languages too? Many thanks