I want to correct one thing I mentioned doing the show. I misspoke when I said that it was in 1876 that Bruckner spoke to Wagner about the dedication of the Third Symphony. It was actually in 1873. (Bruckner was also invited to Bayreuth for the first performance the Ring Cycle in 1876.)
A very interesting discussion. I've always found Mahler's affection for Bruckner rather heartwarming. Bauer-Lechner's memoir relates how Mahler made a point to visit his old mentor at Bruckner's apartment in Vienna whenever he was in town.
Interesting that Mahler prioritized 'getting Bruckner symphonies into the repertoire', over respect for Bruckner's musical integrity. Of course, at one level, Mahler was right; music unplayed is nonexistent music. In a way, it's catering to (then) current musical tastes, rather than hoping Bruckner would later, find greater acceptance. Which of course he did. Thanks for the discussion!
Mahler certainly used irony -and possibly even a bit of contempt, in using the marking 'Burlesk', in (if memory serves) his 9th. 'Burlesk' would have horrified Bruckner as almost blasphemous! ('Burlesk': farcical travesty of a serious or sacred topic; emotional irony and contempt.)
Thanks! So fascinating.
This was incredibly intriguing, thank you!
I want to correct one thing I mentioned doing the show. I misspoke when I said that it was in 1876 that Bruckner spoke to Wagner about the dedication of the Third Symphony. It was actually in 1873. (Bruckner was also invited to Bayreuth for the first performance the Ring Cycle in 1876.)
And Bruckner was devastated when he learned of Wagner’s death. He dedicated his Seventh to The Master.
I meant the Third.
A very interesting discussion. I've always found Mahler's affection for Bruckner rather heartwarming. Bauer-Lechner's memoir relates how Mahler made a point to visit his old mentor at Bruckner's apartment in Vienna whenever he was in town.
Interesting that Mahler prioritized 'getting Bruckner symphonies into the repertoire', over respect for Bruckner's musical integrity. Of course, at one level, Mahler was right; music unplayed is nonexistent music. In a way, it's catering to (then) current musical tastes, rather than hoping Bruckner would later, find greater acceptance. Which of course he did. Thanks for the discussion!
Mahler certainly used irony -and possibly even a bit of contempt, in using the marking 'Burlesk', in (if memory serves) his 9th. 'Burlesk' would have horrified Bruckner as almost blasphemous! ('Burlesk': farcical travesty of a serious or sacred topic; emotional irony and contempt.)