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0:00:33 > 0:00:34- Welcome to Vienna.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38- I will be tracing - the history of classical music...
0:00:38 > 0:00:42- ..visiting the places where the - great composers lived and worked.
0:00:44 > 0:00:48- The multi-talented Gustav Mahler - is the focus of this episode.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52- He was greatly inspired - by the world around him.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00- Vienna is integral - to the history of classical music.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03- It was home to Mozart, Beethoven, - Haydn, Schubert...
0:01:04 > 0:01:06- ..the two Strausses and Brahms.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10- This was undoubtedly the capital - of European classical music.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24- Brahms's influence - was prevalent in Vienna...
0:01:24 > 0:01:28- ..when Gustav Mahler - arrived here in 1875, aged 15...
0:01:29 > 0:01:32- ..to attend - the prestigious Conservatory.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42- Vienna is one of the Danube's cities - and possesses a rich history.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45- The river brought prosperity...
0:01:45 > 0:01:49- ..and made it - an important commercial centre.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54- The Hapsburgs ruled - at the end of the 13th century.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58- Vienna became - an important religious city.
0:01:59 > 0:02:04- Stephanplatz, St Stephen's Square, - is the heart and soul of Vienna.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10- The majestic cathedral - is the focal point of the city...
0:02:10 > 0:02:12- ..bridging centuries of history.
0:02:18 > 0:02:23- Haydn belonged to the cathedral's - boys' choir in the mid-18thC...
0:02:23 > 0:02:27- ..and was also a member - of the Vienna Boys Choir.
0:02:27 > 0:02:32- In his lifetime, - he wrote 104 remarkable symphonies.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36- In summer, a series of concerts - are held in the cathedral...
0:02:37 > 0:02:41- ..staging the work - of Haydn, Mozart, Brahms and Mahler.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45- It's a wonderful place - in which to hear their symphonies.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51- Gustav Mahler was a Jew - born in the Czech Republic.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53- He excelled at a young age.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56- He was a gifted pianist - when he was 10 years old.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00- He had left his mark - on the Conservatory.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03- His natural ability - to compose music came to the fore.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06- Mahler's turbulent childhood...
0:03:06 > 0:03:09- ..greatly affected him - and his music.
0:03:09 > 0:03:14- Infant mortality was commonplace and - his family had been very unlucky.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17- Death is a recurring theme - in his work...
0:03:18 > 0:03:22- ..and is often contrasted - with the beauty of life and love.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29- He was a very serious character - and a perfectionist...
0:03:29 > 0:03:33- ..which led to bouts - of deep depression.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41- With his unquestionable talent - as a pianist and composer...
0:03:42 > 0:03:46- ..Mahler was wise enough to realize - he could make a living from it.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51- On leaving the Conservatory, - he became a conductor.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59- By the time - he'd joined the Vienna Opera...
0:03:59 > 0:04:03- ..he was regarded as one of - the world's best conductors...
0:04:03 > 0:04:07- ..for his meticulous detail - and inspired interpretation.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11- Tchaikovsky claimed that - Mahler the conductor was a genius.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14- He was happy for him to conduct...
0:04:14 > 0:04:17- ..the premiere of his opera, - Eugene Onegin.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21- Mahler came to the Vienna Opera - at the height of his career...
0:04:22 > 0:04:24- ..as a conductor and composer.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26- It was an important role...
0:04:26 > 0:04:29- ..yet he would never - have been appointed...
0:04:29 > 0:04:33- ..had he not - converted to Catholicism.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38- Mahler's skills as a conductor were - more in demand than his composing.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43- He was the principal conductor here - for 10 years from 1897 onwards...
0:04:43 > 0:04:49- ..sparking a decade referred to as - the golden era of classical music.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51- Vienna's famous opera house...
0:04:52 > 0:04:56- ..was the first of its buildings - to be completed...
0:04:56 > 0:04:58- ..in the second half of the 19thC.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01- It is a notable platform - for European opera.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06- Mahler created an instant impact - at the beginning of his career...
0:05:06 > 0:05:09- ..with very ambitious - performances...
0:05:09 > 0:05:13- ..of Wagner's Lohengrin followed by - Mozart's The Magic Flute.
0:05:14 > 0:05:15- He was the talk of the town.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21- Mahler wasn't happy - with being just the conductor.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25- He wanted to control every aspect - of the operatic production.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29- He was intent on changing things - for the sake of change.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32- He soon became artistic director.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36- One of the changes Mahler instigated - was the dimming of the lights.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40- Audiences were opposed - in the beginning...
0:05:40 > 0:05:44- ..but ever since then, it has - become commonplace everywhere.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52- He was as stern with his audiences - as he was with the orchestra.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56- He detested applause and refused - entry for those who were late.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00- Once the doors were closed, - that was it.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05- In December 1903, - the stage workers went on strike...
0:06:05 > 0:06:08- ..for the way - they were being treated...
0:06:08 > 0:06:11- ..though Mahler - couldn't understand why!
0:06:21 > 0:06:26- Although his I'm-the-boss attitude - made him unpopular...
0:06:26 > 0:06:30- ..there is no denying - his artistic and creative success.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33- The Vienna Opera - was the best it had ever been.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36- The city's musical reputation...
0:06:36 > 0:06:39- ..was as good as it was - in Beethoven's day.
0:06:39 > 0:06:44- Great emphasis is placed on Mahler's - affiliation with the Opera.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48- Many leading conductors - have performed here since then.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51- Arturo Toscanini, - Herbert von Karajan...
0:06:51 > 0:06:55- ..George Schulte and - Sir Simon Rattle, to name but a few.
0:06:58 > 0:07:03- The Musikverein, Vienna's concert - hall, is a place of some repute.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06- It is the home of - the Vienna Philharmonic...
0:07:06 > 0:07:09- ..one of the world's - largest orchestras.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16- This place would have been - very familiar to Mahler...
0:07:16 > 0:07:20- ..since he was the conductor - of the Vienna Philharmonic...
0:07:21 > 0:07:23- ..at the turn of the 20th century.
0:07:23 > 0:07:28- Interestingly, this orchestra - has never had a principal conductor.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43- But what of Mahler's music?
0:07:43 > 0:07:47- He had very little time to compose - between conducting...
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- ..and running - the Vienna Philharmonic.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54- He would take extended holidays - in the Austrian mountains.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03- He would lose himself - in the breathtaking views...
0:08:03 > 0:08:05- ..and compose enthralling music.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13- Each of his nine symphonies, - apart from one...
0:08:13 > 0:08:17- ..along with his 10th, - which was unfinished...
0:08:17 > 0:08:20- ..were composed - during his long holidays.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24- He required perfect peace - to compose...
0:08:24 > 0:08:27- ..so he built a cabin - in which to do just that.
0:08:27 > 0:08:32- This was the first to be built in - 1893 on the banks of the Attersee...
0:08:32 > 0:08:34- ..20km east of Salzburg.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46- The striking views, shaded by the - grand Hollengebierge mountains...
0:08:47 > 0:08:49- ..were enough to awaken the muse.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53- This would have been the - perfect place in which to escape.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01- He would have stayed in this house.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04- The composing studio - can still be seen today.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08- During the four summers - he spent here...
0:09:09 > 0:09:13- ..he completed his Second Symphony - and wrote his Third.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16- The cabin is small and cosy.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21- You can imagine how beneficial - the tranquillity would have been.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26- His immediate surroundings are - the basis for his Second Symphony.
0:09:27 > 0:09:33- Mahler explores man's place - in the magnificent creation.
0:09:33 > 0:09:38- The symphony is entitled, What - The Flowers On The Meadow Tell Me.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42- This is a description of the place - at the beginning of summer.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55- This is an excerpt - from the second movement of No.3.
0:09:55 > 0:10:00- A fitting accompaniment to the - beautiful surroundings in Steinbach.
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0:10:19 > 0:10:19- Subtitles
0:10:19 > 0:10:21- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:10:29 > 0:10:33- Mahler came to Vienna - for the first time as a single man.
0:10:33 > 0:10:38- He instantly became famous - for his work in the opera house.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41- When in Vienna, - he always stayed at Hotel Bristol...
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- ..in Room 275 274 every time.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48- These days - it's called the Mahler Suite.
0:10:54 > 0:10:59- It befits a man of his standing, - although it has changed somewhat.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06- The Bristol - has a strong musical connection.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09- Among those who have stayed here...
0:11:09 > 0:11:15- ..are George Gershwin, - Pietro Mascagni, Enrico Caruso...
0:11:15 > 0:11:19- ..Nellie Melba, Sergei Rachmaninoff, - Arturo Toscanini...
0:11:19 > 0:11:21- ..and Anton Rubinstein.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24- Each of the hotel's rooms...
0:11:24 > 0:11:28- ..has been named after - Vienna Opera's prominent conductors.
0:11:29 > 0:11:34- Mahler was also pleased the Bristol - was so close to the opera house.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40- It is situated next door...
0:11:40 > 0:11:44- ..so he would have seen the comings - and goings from his window.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02- He was also a health fanatic...
0:12:02 > 0:12:06- ..and a committed vegetarian - like the revered Richard Wagner.
0:12:11 > 0:12:15- When he stayed at the Bristol, - he insisted on the same routine.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20- He would always order muesli - and a green apple for breakfast.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38- He would eat his breakfast whilst - looking out at the opera house.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- He also stayed at the Imperial, - which was a former palace.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55- In Mahler's day...
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- ..conductors - were treated like stars.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02- Hotels like the Vienna Imperial - went to great lengths...
0:13:02 > 0:13:04- ..to ensure they had privacy.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- Behind me is a secret entrance...
0:13:07 > 0:13:11- ..allowing him to enter the - Musikverein without being spotted.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16- It's still used today - by performers and conductors...
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- ..so if you'd just excuse me!
0:13:28 > 0:13:32- It's remarkable that Mahler spent - three years at the opera house...
0:13:32 > 0:13:36- ..since his twin appointments - were notoriously challenging.
0:13:37 > 0:13:41- The posts of conductor and director - are still as important today.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- As he became more successful - in Vienna...
0:13:47 > 0:13:51- ..he could afford - a much better summer retreat.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55- He headed to - the warmer climes of the south.
0:13:55 > 0:14:00- But his favourite place to compose - was here at Lake Worthersee...
0:14:00 > 0:14:03- ..famous for its refreshing water.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06- Instead of staying - in taverns and farmhouses...
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- ..he decided to build - his own home in Maiernigg...
0:14:10 > 0:14:13- ..at the southern end of the lake.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17- The villa's location capitalized - on the lake's magnificent views.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24- It was 1901 - and he would have been well aware...
0:14:24 > 0:14:28- ..of the income he would - have received as a conductor.
0:14:28 > 0:14:33- A lowly composer would never - have afforded a villa such as this.
0:14:34 > 0:14:39- His composing cabin was considerably - larger than his previous one.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41- It was big enough - for him to live in.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45- This is where he stayed - until the villa was finished.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48- It's situated in the woods...
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- ..far enough away from the villa - for privacy.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00- He erected a fence and - a secured gate to keep people away.
0:15:00 > 0:15:05- It is only accessible by foot - or four-wheel drive.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09- The Forest House, as it's called...
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- ..shared many - of the villa's features.
0:15:28 > 0:15:33- It's hard to believe that so much - memorable music was composed here.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36- This is - the Sydney Symphonic Orchestra...
0:15:36 > 0:15:40- ..conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy, - performing Mahler's Sixth.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42- Although known as The Tragic...
0:15:43 > 0:15:47- ..it was composed during - a happy time in the composer's life.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11- Apart from birdsong, - it is completely silent here...
0:16:11 > 0:16:13- ..as Mahler had intended it to be.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- But he disliked hearing - the birds sing.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19- He planted scarecrows - to scare them away.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23- He would fire a blank cartridge - from his rifle...
0:16:23 > 0:16:25- ..to frighten the birds away.
0:16:26 > 0:16:30- These days, the birds - are chirruping happily all around.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38- Farmers had to remove cattle bells.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41- He was determined - not to be disturbed.
0:16:41 > 0:16:45- Only the maid was allowed - to bring him his food in secret.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59- The Forest House - provided the inspiration to compose.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02- It was here - that he wrote five symphonies...
0:17:02 > 0:17:06- ..as well as the Ruckert-Lieder - and the Kindertotenlieder.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19- Apart from enjoying the views...
0:17:20 > 0:17:23- ..Mahler would - swim in the lake every morning...
0:17:23 > 0:17:27- ..before indulging - in further physical exercise.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38- The body and the mind - were then ready to leave the villa.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40- He would cross the road...
0:17:43 > 0:17:47- ..and walk along a bridle-path - he had created in the tranquillity.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56- When he reached his studio, he would - compose for the rest of the day.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09- It was around this time - that something else happened to him.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13- In 1901, he met - the beautiful Alma Maria Schindler.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16- Within three months - they were married.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20- She was 20 years his junior - and a promising composer.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26- Mahler - was completely devoted to Alma...
0:18:26 > 0:18:29- ..and expected - the same devotion from her.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33- Life wasn't always easy, - but the following five years...
0:18:33 > 0:18:37- ..saw them - at their most prolific and creative.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44- They had two daughters - who inspired wonderful music...
0:18:44 > 0:18:46- ..but it wasn't to last.
0:18:46 > 0:18:51- In 1907, their daughter, Maria, - died after contracting measles.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56- In the same year, his relationship - with the Vienna Opera broke down.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59- He was persecuted for being a Jew...
0:18:59 > 0:19:03- ..and shunned for spending - too much time on his own music.
0:19:03 > 0:19:08- Hostility from the press - led him to end his career in Vienna.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13- At the end of 1907, - he set sail for America...
0:19:13 > 0:19:17- ..to become the director - of New York's Metropolitan Opera.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25- Vienna and Mahler - are inextricably linked.
0:19:25 > 0:19:29- This is where he became famous as - one of the world's best conductors.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32- It opened doors for him in New York.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38- He was a star in this city - and he is still revered and loved.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51- After a performance, Mahler - liked to relax with a cup of coffee.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56- He often came to the Cafe Imperial - in his conductor's suit...
0:19:56 > 0:19:58- ..with the long tails and black tie.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03- On several occasions, - other customers shouted, "Waiter"...
0:20:03 > 0:20:07- ..and ordered a coffee, - which understandably angered him.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32- Before he left for New York, - he was dealt another blow.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34- His heart was defective...
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- ..re-igniting - his preoccupation with death.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- This is evident - in his most recent work...
0:20:41 > 0:20:45- ..namely the Ninth Symphony - and the unfinished 10th Symphony.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50- It is most prevalent in Das Lied - von der Erde, The Song of the Earth.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54- It is full of hopelessness - juxtaposed with beauty.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58- It is this composition - which encapsulates Mahler's genius.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05- He continued to overwork - in New York...
0:21:05 > 0:21:09- ..and made enemies of both - orchestra and audience members.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14- His health deteriorated and he was - devastated by the revelation...
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- ..that Alma was having - a relationship with another man.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24- Mahler couldn't come to terms - with Alma's affair.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29- Although the marriage was over, - she stayed with him until the end...
0:21:30 > 0:21:32- ..which came six months later.
0:21:33 > 0:21:38- In 1911, Gustav Mahler - returned from America a broken man.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41- He was full of despair - that he was dying...
0:21:41 > 0:21:45- ..and the world - was carrying on without him.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49- He passed away - in Sanatorium Low, Vienna, aged 50.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06- Mahler's music echoed events in - his life and the world around him.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- His musical masterpieces - emanated from this.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23- He was regarded as a gifted - conductor during his lifetime...
0:22:23 > 0:22:27- ..but it was his - exceptional talent as a composer...
0:22:27 > 0:22:30- ..that made him - one of the musical greats.
0:22:30 > 0:22:34- Mahler's compositions - have come from the heart...
0:22:34 > 0:22:39- ..having been inspired by beauty - and propelled by fear and sadness.
0:22:43 > 0:22:48- Join me again for our next programme - as I journey to Australia...
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- ..to visit - Sydney's iconic opera house.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:25 > 0:23:26- .