Austria has much to be proud of particularly when it comes to musicians. From Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Franz Schubert to Ludwig van Beethoven and Johann Strauss and many others, this country has produced world renowned musicians and composers. And the tradition continues even until now most especially with the Vienna Philharmonic as well as the Vienna Boys Choir.
But there’s one musical genius that not many of you know. The name is Gustav Mahler, the man behind fin de siècle. Born in 1860, Mahler was a composer and conductor and one of the best in his generation. It was only after 1945, however, that his music was discovered. Since then, his music has been frequently performed and recorded.
To honor this musical legend, Vienna as well as the rest of the world celebrates his music for two straight years – this 2010 and 2011. 2010 is his 150th birthday while 2011 marks his 100th death anniversary. Mahler started getting involved in music at a young age. At 15, he was already studying piano and doing compositions.
In Vienna, music lovers have a wide choice in terms of where they could learn about Gustav Mahler. Visiting these places will provide you with an enriching experience you will never forget.
State Opera Museum – Mahler served as the director of the Viennese Opera which has become one of the world’s best opera houses. He held the position for 10 years and according to historical facts, being the director was his dream job.
At the Vienna State Opera Museum, you will find the Gustav Mahler Room with a bust of the late composer done by Auguste Rodin. Also right across the opera building is Mahlerstrasse, a street named after the musical genius.
Haus der Musik – In this place you will find an interactive room specially dedicated to Gustav Mahler. This is next to the rooms for Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Strauss and Schonberg among others. The room features reading screens, images of Mahler as a public figure and as a private person, his death mask and farewell letter containing his announcement of retiring from the opera scene.
Arnold Schoenberg Center – Here you will find the manuscripts of Mahler. It is also here where the International Gustav Mahler Society Vienna holds office. The society was founded in 1955 courtesy of the Vienna Philharmonic.
Konzerthaus – Mahler’s compositions are regularly performed at this venue as well as at Musikverein. The Konzerthaus likewise features the Gustav Mahler memorial plaque.
Mahler tours – For music lovers, regular guided city walks are offered by the so-called Mahler specialists and the Wienfuhrung group. The tour covers Mahler’s work, social and private life. For 2011, the walking tours will take place from April to June, September and October, every first three Sundays of the month.
