100 years ago a genius died in Vienna
Today we think of Gustav Mahler as a composer, first and foremost. Occasionally we remember that his wife Alma was a major figure in the arts scene with her relationshipss - including while she was married to Mahler with the architect Walter Gropius - with a number of significant men.
We should also not forget that Mahler was considered one the greatest conductors of his time, completely reforming in just three short years, 1908-1911, two major New York City Cultural institutions, first the Metropolitan Opera, and then the New York Philharmonic.
Mahler Took Mnahattan, an op ed in today's New York Times by classical music critic Peter G. Davis, explores the impact of those years, and the special relationship the Philharmonic still maintains with Mahler's music, with Davis offering some interesting words, with which I will begin below the fold, where I will also offer some of Mahler's music.