Photograph: Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) around 1885
In August 1886, the 26-year-old Gustav Mahler took up the post of Assistant Conductor to Arthur Nikisch at the Leipzig Opera. Mahler's performances at the theatre met with great success, among them productions of Wagner's Tannhäuser, Weber's Freischütz, Beethoven's Fidelio und Halévys Die Jüdin.
In Leipzig, Mahler was made welcome in the house of Carl von Weber, a grandson of Carl Maria von Weber, and agreed to attempt the completion of a fragment of an opera by the old master in the family's possession, Die Drei Pintos (The Three Pintos). The work received its first performance, conducted by Mahler himself, at the Leipzig Opera on 20th January 1888, attracting attention far beyond the bounds of the city to Mahler's compositional talent.
The success may well have motivated Mahler to devote himself to a greater degree to his own creational muse; in March 1888, after only six weeks intense work, he completed his First Symphony.
The fervour with which Mahler strived to conclude his first great opus resulted in the neglect of his duties at the Opera, causing friction between him and both the theatre management and the ensemble members. In addition, Mahler faced increasing resistance from the musicians of the orchestra, due in part to his uncompromising rehearsal style, in part to his competitive attitude towards the highly regarded Arthur Nikisch. In May 1888, Mahler requested to be released from his contract and departed Leipzig.
Wikipedia:
Gustav Mahler
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Gustav-Mahler-Haus / Gustav Mahler House (Music Trip station 5) |
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Station 6, Standort Albert-Lortzing-Haus / Site of the Albert Lortzing residence |
