Gustav Mahler, Song Symphonist

Gustav Mahler by Gabriel Engel is an excellent biographical tribute to the Austro-Bohemian Romantic composer. Mahler was one of the leading conductors of his generation. As a composer, he acted as a bridge between the 19th-century Austro-German tradition and the modernism of the early 20th century. Excerpt: «The utmost efforts of the studious countryman, Bernhard Mahler of Kalischt, Bohemia, to better himself had netted him after many discouraging years only the modest dignity of a rustic private-tutor.»