Gustav Mahler

Gustav Mahler Memories and Letters by Alma Mahler

This is an account of Mahler written by his wife Alma Schindler. It focuses on their relationship and marriage. She seems to have been a talented person who was frustrated by the lack of opportunity for women in music in that era. However, I wonder if there are other views of Mahler than hers, she was sympathetic to him though. It is also an interesting description of cultural life in Europe and particularly in Vienna with many references to famous composers, artists, authors, poets etc… Additionally it covers some time spent in the United States. She was a colourful character; after Mahler died she married Gropius and then Werfl.

I read this after Jacqui.