The famous composer Gustav Mahler was born in a poor background on the 7th of July 1860 at Kalist in Bohemia and grew up in Iglau (Moravia) together with his Jewish parents. At the age of 15 Gustav Mahler started his studies at the conservatory of Vienna where he studied to play the piano and composition. Already then the young Gustav won several prizes and awards. In 1880 he started his career as conductor at Hall, Laibach, Olmütz, Kassel Prag and Leipzig and in 1888 he was nominated as the director of the Royal-Hungarian opera house at Budapest.
During this time he met the famous composer Richard Strauss who became a very good friend. Later on Gustav Mahler became guest conductor of the Metropolitan Opera House at New York and also took charge of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra soon after.

As he was very busy in this time it was only possible for him to compose new acts during his holidays. Like this famous compositions were written during his stays at the Lake Wörth, the Attersee and as well at Dobbiaco in the Val Venosta.
Here in South Tyrol two of his most famous compositions were done: “Das Lied von der Erde” and the Symphony No. 10 which unfortunately stayed unfinished.

After his last holiday at Dobbiaco Gustav Mahler seriously fell ill. He was brought to Vienna at his own request where he died on the 18th of May 1911.

Still today a monument in the village centre of Dobbiaco reminds of the famous composer. Every year the “Gustav Mahler Music Weeks” take place here which are a real music spectacle for everybody.

Gustav Mahler Music Weeks 2024: July 13 - 27, 2024

Further information:
Gustav Mahler Music Weeks
phone: +39 0474 976151
info@gustav-mahler.it