

Embrace Everything - The World of Gustav Mahler
Aaron Cohen
The Embrace Everything podcast series is an exploration and celebration of the music of Gustav Mahler. Throughout his life, Mahler insisted that music had to, literally, embrace everything. This makes his compositions unusually rich in what they offer both audience and musicians. Each season explores a different Mahler symphony and includes interviews with leading conductors, music scholars and musicians. Additionally, Mahler’s own words and those of his contemporaries are read by actors.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 8, 2022 • 19min
Movement Two - What the Flowers in the Meadow Tell Me (S3, Ep.2)
In the second movement of his Third Symphony, Gustav Mahler begins the upward journey on the ladder of consciousness. He considers flowers the first step and portrays them in musically charming ways.Starring James Lurie as the voice of Gustav Mahler, Laura Gragtmans as the voice of Natalie Bauer-Lechner, Billy Lyons as the voice of Arthur Schopenhauer, and Gary Tiedemann as the voice of Gustav Theodor FechnerGuests include Carter Brey (Principal Cello, New York Philharmonic), Robert Chen (Concertmaster, Chicago Symphony Orchestra), Caroline Kita (Washington University in St. Louis) and Marilyn McCoy (Columbia University, New York).SUPPORT US ON PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/u91819874/membershipSEE THE NEW EMBRACE EVERYTHING MUG ON OUR SUPPORT PAGE:https://www.theworldofgustavmahler.org/donate.htmlFOR A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE ONE-TIME CONTRIBUTION, SUPPORT US ON FRACTURED ATLAS:https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/embrace-everything-the-world-of-gustav-mahlerContributions of any size are appreciated.For more information, contact us at support@theworldofgustavmahler.orgEPISODE LINKS:Season 3, Episode 2: www.theworldofgustavmahler.org/s3e2.htmlEmbrace Everything Website: www.theworldofgustavmahler.orgEMBRACE EVERYTHING SOCIAL MEDIA LINKSFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theworldofgustavmahlerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theworldofgustavmahler/X: https://x.com/worldofmahlerBluesky :https://bsky.app/profile/worldofmahler.bsky.socialBONUS CONTENT:https://www.theworldofgustavmahler.org/extras.htmlPODCAST LINKS:Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3YU4tWnSpotify: spoti.fi/3TjHfb7

6 snips
Dec 5, 2022 • 49min
Movement One - Pan Awakes and Summer Marches In (S3, Ep.1)
Guest Kent Nagano, General Music Director of the Hamburg State Opera, and Chief Conductor of the Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra, discuss Gustav Mahler's Third Symphony. They explore Mahler's intention to capture the awakening of the world through his music, focusing on the section 'Pan's Awakening' and 'Summer Marches In'. The podcast delves into the symbolism behind the trombone solo and the emotional power of Mahler's music.

Nov 22, 2022 • 3min
Season 3 - "My Joyful Science" - Mahler's Third Symphony
Explore Mahler's Third Symphony in D minor through interviews with conductors, orchestra members, and music scholars. Delve into the themes of evolution, nature, and consciousness that Mahler conveys through his music.

8 snips
Jul 7, 2021 • 52min
Movement Five – With Wings I’ve Won for Myself (S2, Ep.5)
Guest Kent Nagano, conductor of Hamburg State Opera and Philharmonic and Montreal Symphony Orchestra, discusses the inspirations and impact of Gustav Mahler's Fifth and final movement in his Second Symphony. They explore themes of redemption, the symbolism of trumpets and nightingales in Mahler's music, and the transformative power of his symphonies. They also delve into the connection between judgment and compassion, emphasizing the absence of distinctions between sinners and righteous individuals.

Jul 7, 2021 • 14min
Movement Four – O Little Red Rose (S2, Ep.4)
Guests include Carter Brey (Principal Cello, NY Philharmonic), Michael Sachs (Principal Trumpet, Cleveland Orchestra), and Marilyn McCoy (Columbia University). They discuss the significance of Mahler's Fourth Symphony, exploring the origins and meaning of 'Urlicht', the first musical portrait of 'Oh, Little Red Rose', the soul's quest for God, and the concept of earning a place in heaven through struggle.

5 snips
Jul 7, 2021 • 26min
Movement Three – Never Did a Sermon So Please the Fish (S2, Ep.3)
Kent Nagano, a conductor, and Carter Brey, a principal cellist, discuss the symbolism in Gustav Mahler's second symphony, particularly the third movement inspired by Mahler's earlier song. The podcast explores the allegorical meaning of the satiric song about St. Anthony preaching to fish and delves into the characteristics and symbolism of the lively dance-like movement. It also discusses the contrasting themes and emotions in the symphony, representing triumph, loss, despair, and the cycle of life.

Jul 7, 2021 • 22min
Movement Two – A Sunbeam into Your Soul (S2, Ep.2)
Explores Mahler's Second Symphony and its second movement, featuring insights from conductor Michael Tilson Thomas and cellist Carter Brey. Topics discussed include the use of rubato and glissando in Mahler's music, the joyous glissandi for string players, Mahler's creative process, and the incorporation of dance music and Schubertian cantalena.

Jul 7, 2021 • 32min
Movement One – A Burning Denunciation of the Creator (S2, Ep.1)
Kent Nagano, Carter Brey, Austin Howle, Matthew McDonald, and Michael Sachs discuss themes of resurrection, transformation, anger towards God, and the meaning of life in Mahler's Second Symphony. The podcast also explores Mahler's use of a large orchestra, climaxes, dissolution, marches, and the influence of Mozart's bass lines in his music.

Jun 23, 2021 • 2min
Season 2 – Rise Again - Mahler's Second Symphony
Season 2 focuses on Mahler’s Second Symphony in C minor (1888-1894), delving into Mahler’s gigantic musical exploration of life, death, and what lies beyond. Each episode is devoted to a movement of the symphony.Guests include conductors Kent Nagano and Michael Tilson Thomas; principal musicians of the New York Philharmonic, the Berlin Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the Montreal Symphony Orchestra; scholars from Columbia and Oxford Universities; and starring James Lurie as the voice of Gustav Mahler and Laura Gragtmans as the voice of Natalie Bauer-Lechner.SUPPORT US ON PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/u91819874/membershipSEE THE NEW EMBRACE EVERYTHING MUG ON OUR SUPPORT PAGE:https://www.theworldofgustavmahler.org/donate.htmlFOR A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE ONE-TIME CONTRIBUTION, SUPPORT US ON FRACTURED ATLAS:https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/embrace-everything-the-world-of-gustav-mahlerContributions of any size are appreciated.For more information, contact us at support@theworldofgustavmahler.orgEPISODE LINKS:Season 2: www.theworldofgustavmahler.org/season2.htmlEmbrace Everything Website: www.theworldofgustavmahler.orgEMBRACE EVERYTHING SOCIAL MEDIA LINKSFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theworldofgustavmahlerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theworldofgustavmahler/X: https://x.com/worldofmahlerBluesky :https://bsky.app/profile/worldofmahler.bsky.socialBONUS CONTENT:https://www.theworldofgustavmahler.org/extras.htmlPODCAST LINKS:Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3YU4tWnSpotify: spoti.fi/3TjHfb7

Jul 7, 2020 • 27min
Movement Four – The Battle of Fate (S1, Ep.4)
Michael Tilson Thomas, William Hudgins, and Jennifer Montone discuss Gustav Mahler's First Symphony, focusing on the intense battle between hero and fate in the fourth movement. They explore the inspiration behind the violin melody, the autobiographical elements in Mahler's symphony, and his views on triumph in death. The podcast concludes with acknowledgments and information on the performers.


