book
I have three goals with this book. First, I aim to evaluate key places in Mahler's life. Second, I'll describe the reasons for their importance. And finally, I demonstrate their associations with his music. I do this using my expert knowledge of the notion of place — the morphology of sites and my understanding of space.
Throughout, I've used archive photographs and measured surveys to create a set of architectural drawings that uniquely describe key buildings and their sites where Mahler composed.
Backstory
The production of this book lies in my thirty years working as an architect while indulging a passion for the music of Gustav Mahler. As an architect, I'm filled with unease by much modern architecture — particularly monolithic tower blocks — and drawn to buildings of a more modest scale which, with their surroundings, make more allowance for human aspiration and celebration of life, something that Mahler had in a large quantity.
If I were asked to describe the book in a single sentence I would do so by saying it is a series of architectural, philosophical, environmental, aural, contextual, experiential, aesthetic, and practical considerations which reveal the roots of Mahler's inspiration.
Who is it for?
Its subtitle is Encounters with the master's composing houses, and is primarily aimed at music lovers and Mahler enthusiasts. Having said that, I think many others will find it a thought-provoking introduction to this great man of music. In particular, readers with an eye for architecture and the environment will find this book of special interest.
If you've a passion for Mahler or want to explore the impact a building can have on a man's music then I'm sure you'll find Mahler's Heavenly Retreats a delightful experience. To order your copy head over to Order where you can buy using PayPal or by mail order.
Thank you
I am very grateful to Dr Jim Pritchard, Chair of The Gustav Mahler Society of the United Kingdom, who has kindly written the foreword for this book.
