GUSTAV MAHLER - 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH.
Music lovers all over the world celebrate him in two years in series: 2010 marks his 150th birthday, 2011 his 100th anniversary of death. Haus der Musik's exhibition space offers insight into his life and work.
Gustav Mahler was born into a humble Jewish home, as the second of 14 children, in Kalist, Bohemia. He began his musical education at the tender age of four. At 15 he enrolled in the Vienna Conservatory to study piano and composition. From 1880 onwards he functioned as director of music first in Bad Hall, then Ljubljana, Olomouc and Leipzig. Between 1888 and 1891 he held the post of royal opera director in Budapest, and later of chief conductor in Hamburg. Beyond his productivity as composer, Mahler was one of the most sought-after conductors of his time, travelling to concerts all over Europe.
In 1897 Mahler was appointed director of the Vienna opera-theatre. His ten-year tenure (until 1907) counts as the brightest period in the theatre's history. Following his resignation, Mahler accepted an offer as guest conductor at the New York Metropolitan Opera, and later became director of the New York Philharmonic orchestra. When in 1911, mid-through the New York concert season, Mahler fell seriously ill, he wished to be taken back to Vienna where he passed away on May 18.
His busy schedule as conductor and opera director left Mahler with only his vacation to compose. In fall, winter and spring, Mahler conducted concerts and operas, went on tour, studied new pieces, organized and reigned over Vienna's music scene. During the summer months, he retreated to Steinbach at lake Attersee, to Maiernigg at lake Wörthersee or to Töblach in South Tyrol, to work on his compositions.
The exhibition at Haus der Musik
The forest - nature as a place of retreat and inspiration - characterizes the exhibition space created by Peter Mahler, the artist's grandnephew. The exhibition contrasts Mahler's work as a conductor with his composing: focusing on his bearing as director of the Vienna Court Opera, on the one hand, and his role as composer and family man on the other. The tension between the artist's public and private creations lies at the centre of the exposition.
The exposition showcases traditional artefacts in combination with high-tech info broking. A multi-vision system created specifically for this exhibition, offers a wealth of impressions. Via touch screens visitors can access in-depth information on Mahler's life and work. Audio-guides and Gustav Mahler's music in the background complete the experience. Arnulf Rainer contributes his piece „Totenmaskenübermalung Gustav Mahler. "
Gustav Mahler and the Vienna Philharmonic
Complementary to our permanent exhibition, we are honouring the 100th anniversary of Gustav Mahler's death, with a special exhibition at the Vienna Philharmonic Museum located on Haus der Musik's first floor. The exhibition includes selected documents and exhibits, among them a hat drawn from the composer's personal estate.
Mahler not only served as Director of the Viennese Court Opera, as head of the Vienna Philharmonic he lead the orchestra to great artistic success, and took it on its first journey abroad (Paris 1900). The exhibition offers insight into the long-lasting cooperation between Gustav Mahler and the Vienna Philharmonic.
No matter how far one travels the world, and how many distinguished orchestras one hears play, one always returns to Vienna with the conviction that our orchestra towers above them all." (Gustav Mahler)
