Document Type
Theses, Ph.D
Disciplines
Arts, Musicology
Abstract
Gustav Mahler (1860–1911) held important positions in Europe and America in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century as a conductor of operatic and symphonic repertoire. As a composer, his output spans a significant transitional period in classical music, from Romanticism to early Modernism. His life and work represents a revolutionary period of change in many developmental aspects of the modern orchestra. Changing social norms, larger concert halls, and technical developments in instrument-making all combined to alter the presentation and, as a consequence, the reception of classical music during this time. As conductor of some of the finest orchestras in Europe and America, culminating with his role as director of the Vienna Court Opera (1897–1907) and conductor of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra (1898–1901), Mahler was recognised as a central figure. While there is a vast amount of research on Mahler as a composer, little has been undertaken specifically in relation to his writing for timpani, and his seminal influence on the development of the instrument. This study examines the timpani parts in Mahler's symphonies and other orchestral works and questions how Mahler, both as composer and conductor, directly influenced late nineteenth and early twentieth-century timpani trends. Furthermore, it will examine how these trends have been influenced by performer pedagogues who assumed the role of tradition bearers. Through historical and qualitative research and narrative inquiry, the influence of Mahler’s compositional methods on historical and current timpani performance practice will be investigated and explored and will form a starting point for new and hitherto undiscovered aspects of Mahler’s style.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21427/7be2-g972
Recommended Citation
Kelly, Stephen, "An analysis of Gustav Mahler’s use of the timpani with reference to historical performance practice and contemporary performances of his works." (2026). Research Theses. 13.
https://arrow.tudublin.ie/aaconmusthe/13
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