The Stirring Music of Mahler

We talk about the life and meaning of Mahler. Also, hear some of the Boston Symphony Orchestra's performance of Symphony No. 2.

It’s a big time for the Bohemian-born Austrian composer Gustav Mahler.

It's the 150^th anniversary this year of his birth, and the 100th anniversary next year of his death, at 50, after a tempestuous life and career that produced, for his fans, some of the most moving music in history.

Mahler bridged the Romantic and Modern eras, as a Jewish-born artist in an anti-Semitic Vienna.

My guest Norman Labrecht says he foretold the 20^th century, and changed the world.
-Tom Ashbrook
Guest:

Norman Lebrecht, cultural critic, radio host and award-winning novelist. He is a lifelong scholar of Mahler and his work, and he has written twelve books about music. His new book is “Why Mahler? How One Man and Ten Symphonies Changed Our World." You can read an excerpt.

Plus, check out Norman Lebrecht's album recommendations for Mahler beginners.