In the years approaching the centenary of Mahler's death, this
book provides both summation of, and starting point for, an
assessment and reassessment of the composer's output and creative
activity. Authored by a collection of leading specialists in Mahler
scholarship, its opening chapters place the composer in
socio-political and cultural contexts, and discuss his work in
light of developments in the aesthetics of musical meaning. Part II
examines from a variety of analytical, interpretative and critical
standpoints the complete range of his output, from early student
works and unfinished fragments to the sketches and performing
versions of the Tenth Symphony. Part III evaluates Mahler's role as
interpreter of his own and other composers' works during his
lifelong career as operatic and orchestral conductor. Part IV
addresses Mahler's fluctuating reception history from scholarly,
journalistic, creative, public and commercial perspectives, with
special attention being paid to his compositional legacy.
· Comprehensive coverage of Mahler's works, providing the reader
with a balanced overview · Includes a discography and a detailed
chronology · Chapters consider Mahler in the context of surrounding
cultural and political events