Composer Gustav Mahler

Term Paper # 112306

Music Studies > Classical and Baroque
Music Studies > Composers
Music Studies > History

Examines the life of composer Gustav Mahler and his "First Symphony".

1,300 words () | 17 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper describes the early life and education of composer Gustav Mahler. The paper relates that, although Mahler was a successful pianist, he abandoned performance in favor of composition. The paper also relates the history and orchestration of Mahler's first symphony, which originally was called "Symphonic Poem in Two Parts", premiering in 1889. This work was renamed "Titan" in his revised 1893 version.

From the Paper:

"A local farm manager noticed Mahler as he advanced in age. This manager convinced Bernhard that his son should receive a thorough musical training in Vienna. In 1875, upon the urging of the kind manager, Mahler entered the Vienna conservatory. During his three-year stay, Mahler studied piano, harmony, and composition. Although he was a successful pianist, performing well in several school competitions, Mahler abandoned performance in favor of composition. In 1878, Mahler graduated from the composition program."

Sample of Sources Used:

Barford, Philip. Mahler Symphonies and Songs. Seattle, WA: University of Washington Press, 1970
Pauer-Lechner, Natalie. Recollections of Gustav Mahler. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1980..
Blaukopf, Kurt. Mahler - A Documentary Study. London: Thames and Hudson, 1976.
Cardus, Neville. Gustav Mahler - His Mind and His Music. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1965.
Cooke, Deryck. Gustav Mahler: an Introduction to His Music. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1980.