MHST 377 The World of Gustav Mahler
An in-depth exploration of Gustav Mahler's music, life and artistic environment centering on his symphonies and lieder. We will study the symbiotic relationship between these two genres in Mahler's oeuvre, focusing on selected symphonies and their lieder companions. These works will be examined from the perspective of manuscript sources, biographical, philosophical and programmatic background, interpretation and reception. A broader overview of the artistic climate of fin-de-siècle Vienna, its dominant artistic circles and trends, as well as social and political forces which influenced Mahler's career and life will provide a context within which we will explore the artistic shifts in Mahler's musical style after the turn-of the century. In a parallel manner, an attempt will be made to reflect on Mahler from the perspective of the 21st century: on the heterogeneity of his style and the broad spectrum of expression and references his music projects - elements which have paved paths taken by musicians, writers, and filmmakers as diverse as Stravinsky, Shostakovich, Mann, Britten, Visconti, Berio, Schnittke, Ken Russel and Uri Caine.