Mahler was a gasbag

[lisa needs braces]

Why is he popular?

[Dr. Dread]

[CRCulver]

Why is he popular?

I can understand why some might like him. But I hate the idea that he is the greatest and most universally appealing composer of his time. I've listened to most of Mahler's symphonies, and while I can appreciate the construction of them, they don't do much for me.

I usually review the discs I listen to on Amazon, but I haven't with e.g. Mahler's Fifth (which I've heard most of all), because I don't want to get jumped on by everyone else for giving it the only personal evaluation I honestly can: average.

[Dr. Dread]

You should have said: "long-winded gasbag". 

[karlhenning]

I can understand why some might like him. But I hate the idea that he is the greatest and most universally appealing composer of his time. . . .

I don't think I've ever heard even the most ardent Mahler fan make any such claim — But maybe I just tuned it out  

I usually review the discs I listen to on Amazon, but I haven't with e.g. Mahler's Fifth (which I've heard most of all), because I don't want to get jumped on by everyone else for giving it the only personal evaluation I honestly can: average.

But, maybe Mahler fans will agree that the recording is average!  

[Todd]

I usually review the discs I listen to on Amazon, but I haven't with e.g. Mahler's Fifth (which I've heard most of all), because I don't want to get jumped on by everyone else for giving it the only personal evaluation I honestly can: average.

Average compared to whom? 

[Diletante]

I can understand why some might like him. But I hate the idea that he is the greatest and most universally appealing composer of his time.

Just for fun: Who is, in your opinion, the greatest and most universally appealing composer of that time?

[Todd]

Just for fun: Who is, in your opinion, the greatest and most universally appealing composer of that time?

My money's on Reger.

[lisa needs braces]

More info: I love the final movement of his fourth symphony. And a certain moment from the second symphony. Everything else is unnecessary.

[karlhenning]

"Unnecessary." Well, but isn't all art? And isn't that part of the point?

[Lethevich]

[lisa needs braces]

"Unnecessary." Well, but isn't all art? And isn't that part of the point?

Yes, but some art (the bad kind) is more unnecessary than others.

[lisa needs braces]

A most apt depiction of Mahler fans.

[karlhenning]

A most apt depiction of Mahler fans.

No, just of unnecessary art.

[Dr. Dread]

Art sucks.

[karlhenning]

Art sucks.

Been listening to too much Beethoven lately, fella? 

[Lethevich]

A most apt depiction of Mahler fans.

Mahler fans are more along these lines:

[lisa needs braces]

There was a tv program about composers on some arts channel. The intro of it would have Music from Bach...Mozart...LvB...and Mahler. The former were all recognizable tunes. The latter's was a blare as bland as (nearly) everything else he's written. It always made me chuckle.

Down with Mahler.

[karlhenning]

Alternatively . . . .

Art sucks.

Channeling Paul Simon, are we?

[Dr. Dread]

Maybe abe's just not into neurotic music. It happens.