The composing houses, also known as Komponierhäuschen or huts, where Austrian composer Gustav Mahler spent many of his summers are places and spaces that inspired Mahler and his music.

These heavenly retreats form the subject of a unique investigation brought to you by architect Keith James Clarke.

This is done through a variety of carefully integrated media that allows you to witness these sites and sounds, spaces and places, landscapes and landmarks, and buildings and their surroundings.

As an architect and specialist in the character of place Keith applies this expertise to Gustav Mahler's spiritual homes.

While this website will give you a taste of how these places benefited Mahler's composition we recommend you also buy the three pieces that make up the Mahler's Heavenly Retreats collection. This comprises an illustrated book, a documentary on Mahler's huts in DVD format and an audio programme.