Bruckner vs. Mahler

[Sequentia]

A "silly" poll on the subject of "Haydn vs. Mozart" has been created recently.

How do you view the relative merits of these two symphonists (they did compose in other forms, I know)?

If a poll on this has been done in the past, feel free to direct me to it and lock this thread.

[DavidW]

Let the ultimate smackdown begin!!



I voted Mahler for the emotional roller coaster.  On another day I might vote Bruckner but I'm in a bit of an obsession right now.

[Karl Henning]

Banana!

[Lisztianwagner]

I voted for Mahler

Banana!

Haha, I'm still laughing

[Mirror Image]

Bruckner for the simple reason I connect to his music more. I don't listen to Bruckner as much as I used to but his music still holds a piece of my heart.

[Lethevich]

Gogogo Bruckner, deliver the smackdown!

[mc ukrneal]

3-3 so far!

[madaboutmahler]

As much as I love Bruckner too, I think it is rather obvious who I am going to vote for!

I voted for Mahler

Excellent choice, Ilaria!

[Karl Henning]

As much as I love Bruckner too, I think it is rather obvious who I am going to vote for!

Oh, rather, lad! : )

[Lethevich]

We can solve such a problem is through the application of SCIENCE:

Bruckner's music is as aloof, serene, not to mention as gargantuan as a whale.

Mahler's music is as complex inside as a thundercloud, and of similar temperament.

Whales are immune to thunderclouds.

Bruckner clearly wins when the evidence is examined

[mahler10th]

Bruckner was pointing to the mysteries of God and Spirit.
Mahler was pointing to the turmoils in his head.

Bruckner.

[mc ukrneal]

We can solve such a problem is through the application of SCIENCE:

Bruckner's music is as aloof, serene, not to mention as gargantuan as a whale.

Mahler's music is as complex inside as a thundercloud, and of similar temperament.

Whales are immune to thunderclouds.

This is... Ummmm.... This is....irrefutable!

[DavidW]

The music of Mahler and Bruckner sometimes seems so alike (certain passages in Mahler) that they seem like the same composer! Yet their personalities are so different and even opposites that you cannot confuse them, Bruckner being a simple man, like a peasant, Mahler being complicated & neurotic, like a big city intellectual; Bruckner being in religion - in God - spontaneously, full time, as if it were easy - while Mahler had to strain and torture himself to attain rare and occasional glimpses of eternity. Bruckner in this respect ressembling Bach, while Mahler resembles Beethoven.

This is pretty darned good analogy.

[Mirror Image]

This is pretty darned good analogy.

Actually, it wasn't. Bruckner may have not appeared to be an intellectual, but the reality is he was actually one of the most advanced musical minds of his day.

[DavidW]

Actually, it wasn't. Bruckner may have not appeared to be an intellectual, but the reality is he was actually one of the most advanced musical minds of his day.

He meant simple as in unassuming not as in stupid!

[Sequentia]

Actually, it wasn't. Bruckner may have not appeared to be an intellectual, but the reality is he was actually one of the most advanced musical minds of his day.

I have read Bruckner improvised a double fugue on assigned themes on the organ. It would interesting to put together a list of musicians who could match that. Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven certainly. Sorabji could allegedly improvise fugues (no idea on how many themes, though), and I would not be surprised if it were the case with Brahms. Any other composers?

[Lisztianwagner]

Excellent choice, Ilaria!

Thanks Daniel

Hmm, 7-7....this poll seems to get more and more balanced.

[Mirror Image]

Thanks Daniel

Hmm, 7-7....this poll seems to get more and more balanced.

Something that was pointed out to me before is that usually you have two groups of people in regards to these two composers: those who like Bruckner more than Mahler and people who like Mahler more than Bruckner. There is no equality in these choices. I'm proof of this. Give me Bruckner any day of the week over noodle head Mahler.

[AnthonyAthletic]

Something that was pointed out to me before is that usually you have two groups of people in regards to these two composers: those who like Bruckner more than Mahler and people who like Mahler more than Bruckner.

Then you have those who like them equally and can't split them with a cigarette paper.   

[madaboutmahler]

Something that was pointed out to me before is that usually you have two groups of people in regards to these two composers: those who like Bruckner more than Mahler and people who like Mahler more than Bruckner. There is no equality in these choices. I'm proof of this. Give me Bruckner any day of the week over noodle head Mahler.