In 1901, Gustav Mahler met Alma Schindler. Described as the most beautiful woman in Vienna, Alma was at first not interested in him because of gossip about him and women who wanted to sing opera. Disagreeing about an Alexander von Zemlinsky ballet, their discussions led to courtship and marriage. When Mahler insisted that there be just one composer in their family, she abandoned her musical interests including composing. While their life was marked at times by passion, without music, the talented Alma rebelled. During 1910, she turned to the architect, Walter Gropius. Learning of the affair, Mahler encouraged resuming her musical activities but it was too late. Nevertheless, she stayed with him beyond his death in 1911 and Mahler dedicated his Eighth Symphony to her.
Alma married Gropius in 1915. Gropuis joined the Army and during his long absences, the lonely Alma found solace with author Franz Werfel, whom she did not marry until 1929. Leaving Austria in 1938 because it was no longer safe for Jews, they eventually moved to Los Angeles and later to New York. Werfel attained earned success in the U.S. with two novels, The Song of Bernadette, and, Star of the Unborn, published after his death.
Like many women of this time, Alma's talents were often not encouraged nor recognized. Composer, author, editor, and socialite, she was musically active from her early years, composing about fifty songs for voice, piano, and other genres. Just 17 are known to survive. Reveling in artistic stimulation, she invited such individuals into her homes in Vienna, Los Angeles and New York. The author makes Alma so real that I was stimulated to discover more about this amazing individual. She was a woman would certainly fit into today's society.
Alma married Gropius in 1915. Gropuis joined the Army and during his long absences, the lonely Alma found solace with author Franz Werfel, whom she did not marry until 1929. Leaving Austria in 1938 because it was no longer safe for Jews, they eventually moved to Los Angeles and later to New York. Werfel attained earned success in the U.S. with two novels, The Song of Bernadette, and, Star of the Unborn, published after his death.
Like many women of this time, Alma's talents were often not encouraged nor recognized. Composer, author, editor, and socialite, she was musically active from her early years, composing about fifty songs for voice, piano, and other genres. Just 17 are known to survive. Reveling in artistic stimulation, she invited such individuals into her homes in Vienna, Los Angeles and New York. The author makes Alma so real that I was stimulated to discover more about this amazing individual. She was a woman would certainly fit into today's society.
