Gustav Mahler, Composer

Nationality

Bohemian

Famous Works

Symphonies 1 through 10, and Kindertotenlieder

Bio

Sometimes a person whose life seems very sad accomplishes great things. This was the case with Gustav Mahler. Mahler grew up in Bohemia, which is now the Czech Republic. His childhood was often unhappy because his parents quarreled, and because when he was fourteen his favorite brother, who was only a year younger, died. In school, he was often in trouble for daydreaming. As an adult, he had an unhappy marriage, his health was not good and his favorite daughter died when she was very young. In spite of or perhaps because of these problems, Mahler became a great conductor and composed dramatic music which is loved and played all over the world. His compositions include 10 symphonies and many songs written for singer and orchestra.