25th Annual Student Research Conference
The Schoenberg-Mahler Complex
Justin W. Von Ahsen ♦
Dr. Jay Bulen, Faculty Mentor
Gustav Mahler and Arnold Schoenberg were two of the most influential composers of the early 20th century. Although separated by only 14 years and from the same city, they came to represent two very different traditions. Their respective compositional styles manifested different expressive characteristics. Schoenberg's music was progressive and eventually led to atonality, while Mahler's was representative of the forms used at the time. When they first met in 1903 Mahler was at a high point in his career. Schoenberg's music was gaining notice, but he was not a well-known composer. Following their first meeting, Schoenberg, who previously stated that he did approve of Mahler's music, publicly announced his admiration for it. Throughout their relationship Schoenberg's statements about Mahler's music changed, as is evident in various documents. Within this presentation these accounts are examined through primary sources placed in historical context; reasons are then suggested for Schoenberg's varying public statements.
Keywords: Arnold Schoenberg , Gustav Mahler , Influence, Reception
Topic(s):Music
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 202-2
Location: OP 2117
Time: 9:45