Remembering Gustav Mahler

We were amazed to read Malvin Braverman’s letter (May 16), “Waldheim and Austria’s Past,” in which he suggests that “in Austria before World War I Jews enjoyed an extraordinary level of prestige, freedom and access.”

As admirers of Gustav Mahler, we note that this Bohemian Jew is just one example to the contrary. As a token Jew, he was forced to become a token Catholic in order to assume the directorship of the Vienna Opera. The blatant anti-Semitism that permeated Viennese society from the Hapsburgs on down made it impossible for him to be appointed to that position and remain a Jew. Mahler’s choice may not speak well for his commitment to Judaism but his having to make it speaks clearly of the nature of Austrian society.

Updating the story somewhat: During the past few years we have been working along with the Mahler Societies in Vienna, New York, and other parts to identify and preserve locations and buildings throughout Austria, which are tied in with Mahler’s activities as a composer, conductor and director of the opera. We found the reaction of individuals and institutions to our efforts to be reminiscent of the (as suggested by a distinguished Viennese) “sad days after the Anschluss. “ In a city that prides itself on a magnificent cultural past (to which Mahler contributed enormously at the turn of the century) it was impossible until recently to find one home designated as “Mahler House” although there are enough Beethoven houses to give one the impression that poor Ludwig moved twice a week during his Vienna years.

AVIK GILBOA

Los Angeles

Gilboa is president of the Gustav Mahler Society USA.