In some aspects, Gustav Mahler's place in musical history can be compared to that of Ludwig van Beethoven. Both had their artistic roots in one century and, in the development of their respective aesthetics, reached out far into the next. Their greatness and stature as composers were not fully appreciated during their lifetime. Recognition arrived late, in Mahler's case only decades after his death. Both were proponents of the Austro-German symphony par excellence. Beethoven received the form from Haydn and Mozart and he surpassed all existing models, creating touchstone pieces for the romantic symphony of the whole 19th century. Mahler once more transformed the symphonic genre, inspired it with new elements, and brought it to a pinnacle

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First published 08 July 2003

Citation: Knapp, Gerhard P.. "Gustav Mahler". The Literary Encyclopedia. 8 July 2003.
[http://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=5403, accessed 20 November 2009.]