Embrace Everything - The World of Gustav Mahler
Embrace Everything is a podcast series exploring the music of Gustav Mahler, focusing on his belief that music should embrace everything. Each season examines a different Mahler symphony through interviews with conductors, scholars, and musicians. The show also includes readings of Mahler's own comments and those of his contemporaries, highlighting his connections to other arts, nature, and life.
Episodes
The Rückert Lieder - Episode 7: “Paving the Way to Mahler’s Fifth Symphony”
“The Rückert Lieder” were an integral milestone on Gustav Mahler’s journey to his Fifth Symphony. In this episode we demonstrate the musical and philosophical connections.*****Starring:*JAMES LURIE as the voice of Gustav Mahler*LAURA GRAGTMANS as the voice of Natalie Bauer-Lechner*DOMINIC COMPERATORE as the voice of Bruno Walter*JACK BERENHOLTZ as the voice of Paul BekkerGuests include:*T
The Rückert Lieder - Episode 6: “If You Love for Beauty”
The only love song Gustav Mahler ever wrote was “If You Love for Beauty.” It was a gift for his wife Alma during their first summer together in 1902.*****Starring:*JAMES LURIE as the voice of Gustav MahlerGuests include:*THOMAS HAMPSON - Foremost Baritone and Opera Star*MARILYN McCOY - Columbia University, New York*****Support us on PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/u91819874/membershipSee
The Rückert Lieder - Episode 5: “I Am Lost to the World”
“I Am Lost to the World” is widely considered Gustav Mahler’s greatest song. In this episode we discover why it continues to move listeners so profoundly.*****Starring:*JAMES LURIE as the voice of Gustav Mahler*LAURA GRAGTMANS as the voice of Natalie Bauer-LechnerGuests include:*THOMAS HAMPSON - Foremost Baritone and Opera Star*MARILYN McCOY - Columbia University, New York*MIRIAM PASTOR B
The Rückert Lieder - Episode 4: “At Midnight”
In Friedrich Rückert’s poem “At Midnight,” Gustav Mahler found the perfect lyrics to pair with his haunting score. The combination illustrates Mahler’s ongoing questioning of faith and search for God.*****Starring:*JAMES LURIE as the voice of Gustav MahlerGuests include:*THOMAS HAMPSON - Foremost Baritone and Opera Star*MARILYN McCOY - Columbia University, New York*****Support us on PATRE
The Rückert Lieder - Episode 3: “Do Not Look into My Songs”
One of Friedrich Rückert’s poems argued for privacy during the creative process. No wonder the lyrics resonated with Gustav Mahler, who was inspired to create “Do Not Look Into My Songs.”*****Starring:*JAMES LURIE as the voice of Gustav Mahler*LAURA GRAGTMANS as the voice of Natalie Bauer-LechnerGuests include:*THOMAS HAMPSON - Foremost Baritone and Opera Star*MARILYN McCOY - Columbia Uni
The Rückert Lieder - Episode 2: “I Breathed a Gentle Fragrance”
Gustav Mahler’s song “I Breathed a Gentle Fragrance” endeavors to capture the intoxicating smell of the Linden tree. He wrote it for someone dear to him.*****Starring:*JAMES LURIE as the voice of Gustav Mahler*LAURA GRAGTMANS as the voice of Natalie Bauer-LechnerGuests include:*THOMAS HAMPSON - Foremost Baritone and Opera Star*MARILYN McCOY - Columbia University, New York*****Support us o
The Rückert Lieder - Episode 1: “Mahler and Rückert”
After a traumatic health scare in 1901, Gustav Mahler found consolation in the words of poet Friedrich Rückert. Mahler adopted Rückert’s voice as his own in a new series of songs.*****Starring:*JAMES LURIE as the voice of Gustav Mahler*LAURA GRAGTMANS as the voice of Natalie Bauer-Lechner*DOMINIC COMPERATORE as the voice of Bruno WalterGuests include:*THOMAS HAMPSON - Foremost Baritone an
Special Season - The Rückert Lieder
This special season focuses on Mahler’s Rückert Lieder, a collection of five songs based on texts by the poet Friedrich Rückert. The season opens by exploring the circumstances that led Mahler to compose his Rückert Lieder, then goes in depth on the songs individually, and wraps up by explaining how the songs relate to Mahler’s Fifth Symphony.*****Starring James Lurie as the voice of
Mahler Miniatures: Embracing Humanity
For our final installment of the Mahler Miniatures, we hear a very special story from a very special listener.*****Guests include:ANISA MEHDI - Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist and flutist*****Support us on PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/u91819874/membershipSee the new EMBRACE EVERYTHING MUG on our website:https://www.theworldofgustavmahler.org/donate.htmlFor a tax-deductible one-
Mahler Miniatures: Poetry Corner
Host and Producer Aaron Cohen discusses a poem that influenced music in Mahler's Fifth Symphony.*****Starring:JAMES LURIE as the voice of Gustav Mahler*****Support us on PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/u91819874/membershipSee the new EMBRACE EVERYTHING MUG on our website:https://www.theworldofgustavmahler.org/donate.htmlFor a tax-deductible one-time contribution, support us on FRACTURED A
Mahler Miniatures: Nirvana on Earth
Host and Producer Aaron Cohen shares his research into one of Mahler's most beloved songs.*****Starring:*JAMES LURIE as the voice of Gustav MahlerGuests include:*THOMAS HAMPSON - Foremost Baritone and Opera Star*****Support us on PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/u91819874/membershipSee the new EMBRACE EVERYTHING MUG on our website:https://www.theworldofgustavmahler.org/donate.htmlFor a tax
Mahler Miniatures: Amsterdam Mahler Festival
Host and Producer Aaron Cohen shares excerpts from interviews conducted during the 2025 Amsterdam Mahler Festival.*****Guests include:*CYNTHIA YEH - Principal Percussion, Chicago Symphony Orchestra*MICHAEL GIELER - Solo Viola, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam*****Support us on PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/u91819874/membershipSee the new EMBRACE EVERYTHING MUG on our website:h
Mahler Miniatures: Alma Revealed
Host and Producer Aaron Cohen shares excerpts from his new interviews about Alma Mahler which will be featured in Season 5.*****Guests include:*MARINA MAHLER - Granddaughter of Gustav Mahler and President of the Mahler Foundation*THOMAS HAMPSON - Foremost Baritone and Opera Star*****Support us on PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/u91819874/membershipSee the new EMBRACE EVERYTHING MUG on our
Special Episode: Mahler Movies
In this special episode, filmmaker JASON STARR talks about his fascination with Gustav Mahler and his many documentary movies on the great composer.*****Six of Jason Starr’s Mahler films currently available for streaming:On Mahler’s Songs of a Wayfarerhttps://vimeo.com/475536616/6b9f10e961Mahler’s Titan: The Romance, Death and Triumph of a Young Musicianhttps://vimeo.com/475440671Of Love,
BONUS EPISODE: Looking Ahead to Season 5 (S4, B2)
Host and Producer Aaron Cohen shares excerpts of his early research into Mahler’s Fifth Symphony as he begins production on Season 5.*****Guests include:*DAVID BILGER - Former Principal Trumpet, Philadelphia Orchestra*STEFAN DOHR - Principal Horn, Berlin Philharmonic*MARINA MAHLER - Granddaughter of Gustav Mahler and President of the Mahler Foundation*CHRISTOPHER MARTIN - Principal Trumpe
BONUS EPISODE: Seven Themes (S4, B1)
Mahler said there are seven themes in the first movement of his Fourth Symphony. Pianist and composer D.D. JACKSON identifies and contextualizes each of them for us.*****D.D. JACKSON is an Emmy Award-winning composer, a jazz and classical pianist, and a music educator. Learn more about him at www.ddjackson.com.*****Support us on PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/u91819874/membershipSee
The Premiere of Mahler's Fourth Symphony (S4, Ep.5)
Mahler premiered his Fourth Symphony in 1901. In this episode we learn how audiences and critics responded to the new work.*****Starring:*JAMES LURIE as the voice of Gustav Mahler*LAURA GRAGTMANS as the voice of Natalie Bauer-Lechner*DOMINIC COMPERATORE as the voice of Bruno Walter*JEFF SPURGEON as the voice of “The Critic”*DAN BARNETT as the voice of Jean Paul RichterGuests include:
Movement Four - The Heavenly Life (S4, Ep.4)
Mahler composed the song “The Heavenly Life” in 1892, seven years before using it as the last movement of his Fourth Symphony. In this episode we discuss the meaning of the song and its lyrics.*****Starring:*JAMES LURIE as the voice of Gustav Mahler*SHANADE HERNANDEZ as the voice of Mahler’s Angel*LAURA GRAGTMANS as the voice of Natalie Bauer-Lechner*DOMINIC COMPERATORE as the voice
Movement Three - St. Ursula's Smile (S4, Ep.3)
In the third movement of his Fourth Symphony, Mahler introduces a different kind of humor, one that inspires both laughter and tears at the same time.*****Starring:*JAMES LURIE as the voice of Gustav Mahler*LAURA GRAGTMANS as the voice of Natalie Bauer-Lechner*DOMINIC COMPERATORE as the voice of Bruno Walter*DAN BARNETT as the voice of Jean Paul Richter*JACK BERENHOLTZ as the voice of Pau
Movement Two - Freund Hein Strikes Up the Dance (S4, Ep.2)
In the second movement of Mahler’s Fourth Symphony, we begin our journey toward heaven. But the path is going to take some surprising twists. *****Starring:*JAMES LURIE as the voice of Gustav Mahler*LAURA GRAGTMANS as the voice of Natalie Bauer-Lechner*DOMINIC COMPERATORE as the voice of Bruno Walter*JACK BERENHOLTZ as the voice of Paul Bekker*DAN BARNETT as the voice of Jean Paul Ri
Movement One - Mahler's Laughter (S4, Ep.1)
Mahler’s Fourth Symphony is his most playful composition, and one that he originally called a “Symphonic Humoresque.” In the first movement, we hear a side of Mahler we haven’t heard before.*****Starring:*JAMES LURIE as the voice of Gustav Mahler*LAURA GRAGTMANS as the voice of Natalie Bauer-Lechner*DOMINIC COMPERATORE as the voice of Bruno Walter*JACK BERENHOLTZ as the voice of Paul
Special Episode: The Mahler Family Album
In this special episode, MARINA MAHLER talks about publishing a family photo album that belonged to her grandmother, Alma Mahler.You can see more details and order a copy here: https://www.themahlerfamily.com/
Season 4 - "The Heavenly Life" - Mahler's Fourth Symphony
Season 4 focuses on Mahler’s Fourth Symphony in G major (1899-1900), which charts the journey of the soul from its earthly life to a heavenly one. Each episode is devoted to a movement of the symphony, followed by a concluding historical episode devoted to the reception of the Fourth Symphony when it premiered in 1901.Winner of a Gold Signal Award, a Silver New York Festivals Radio Award,
Special Episode: Mahler & the Maestro
Leonard Bernstein had an affinity for the music of Gustav Mahler, as seen in the climax of the Oscar-nominated 2023 Netflix film “Maestro.” In this special episode, we explore what the two musicians had in common, and learn how Bernstein brought Mahler back into the spotlight in the 1960s.Winner of a 2024 Gold Signal Award, a Gold Davey Award, a Communicator Award of Excellence, a Silver
Movement Six - What Love Tells Me (S3, Ep.6)
In the sixth and final movement of Gustav Mahler’s Third Symphony, he reaches the top rung on his ladder of consciousness. This glorious adagio is Mahler’s celebration of God’s perfect love.*****Starring:*JAMES LURIE as the voice of Gustav Mahler*PAUL HECHT as the voice of Friedrich Nietzsche*LAURA GRAGTMANS as the voice of Natalie Bauer-Lechner*ROBERT FASS as the voice of Siegfried Lipin
Movement Five - What the Angels Tell Me (S3, Ep.5)
Angels are the next step on Gustav Mahler’s ladder of consciousness. In the joyful fifth movement of his Third Symphony, the orchestra is joined by a children’s choir and a women’s choir giving voice to the angels.*****Starring:*JAMES LURIE as the voice of Gustav Mahler*PAUL HECHT as the voice of Friedrich Nietzsche*ROBERT FASS as the voice of Siegfried LipinerGuests include:*JAMES BURTON
Movement Four - What Humanity Tells Me (S3, Ep.4)
In the fourth movement of his Third Symphony, Gustav Mahler’s ladder of consciousness reaches humanity. It is a dramatic orchestral song for mezzo soprano that explores the meaning of existence, with lyrics from Nietzsche’s book “Thus Spoke Zarathustra.”*****Starring:*JAMES LURIE as the voice of Gustav Mahler*PAUL HECHT as the voice of Friedrich Nietzsche*ROBERT FASS as the voice of Siegf
Movement Three - What the Animals in the Forest Tell Me (S3, Ep.3)
Gustav Mahler made animals the next step upward on his ladder of consciousness in the third movement of his Third Symphony. Summoning both humor and tragedy, he portrays the sounds of the forest, from sweetly singing nightingales to fearsome creatures.*****Starring:*JAMES LURIE as the voice of Gustav Mahler*PAUL HECHT as the voice of Friedrich Nietzsche*LAURA GRAGTMANS as the voice of Nat
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*GARY TIEDEMANN as the voice of Gu
Movement One - Pan Awakes and Summer Marches In (S3, Ep.1)
Gustav Mahler’s Third Symphony is the story of creation, with each movement a higher rung on the ladder of consciousness. It begins with lifeless matter and the struggle for life to emerge, portrayed as a musical battle between winter and summer.*****Starring*JAMES LURIE as the voice of Gustav Mahler*PAUL HECHT as the voice of Friedrich Nietzsche*LAURA GRAGTMANS as the voice of Natalie Ba
Season 3 - "My Joyful Science" - Mahler's Third Symphony
Season 3 focuses on Mahler’s Third Symphony in D minor (1895-1896), exploring Mahler’s unique perspective on the different orders of being, from lifeless matter to highest consciousness. Each episode is devoted to a movement of the symphony. Winner of a Gold Award at the 2024 New York Festivals Radio Awards, two Communicator Awards and two Davey Awards.*****Starring James Lurie
Movement Five – With Wings I’ve Won for Myself (S2, Ep.5)
Mahler described the last movement of his Second Symphony, which includes two soloists and a chorus, as a colossal fresco of The Day of Judgement. All of humanity meets its maker, and Mahler stretches his musical wings, soaring to glorious heights.*****Starring:*JAMES LURIE as the voice of Gustav Mahler*LAURA GRAGTMANS as the voice of Natalie Bauer-Lechner*ROBERT FASS as the voice of
Movement Four – O Little Red Rose (S2, Ep.4)
The fourth movement of Mahler’s Second Symphony is a delicate song for mezzo-soprano and orchestra. It’s a turning point in the symphony, where the protagonist’s spiritual wisdom blossoms.*****Starring:*JAMES LURIE as the voice of Gustav Mahler*LAURA GRAGTMANS as the voice of Natalie Bauer-Lechner*ROBERT FASS as the voice of Siegfried LipinerGuests include:*CARTER BREY - Principal Ce
Movement Three – Never Did a Sermon So Please the Fish (S2, Ep.3)
In the summer of 1893, Mahler wrote a song, entitled “St. Anthony of Padua’s Sermon to the Fish.” It turned out so well, he incorporated melodies from it into the third movement of his Second Symphony.*****Starring:*JAMES LURIE as the voice of Gustav Mahler*LAURA GRAGTMANS as the voice of Natalie Bauer-Lechner*ROBERT FASS as the voice of Siegfried LipinerGuests include:*KENT NAGANO –
Movement Two – A Sunbeam into Your Soul (S2, Ep.2)
For his Second Symphony, Mahler created a second movement he described as a memory, “a ray of sunlight, pure and cloudless, out of the hero’s life.” The music is bittersweet.*****Starring:*JAMES LURIE as the voice of Gustav MahlerGuests include:*MICHAEL TILSON THOMAS – Conductor (San Francisco Symphony, New World Symphony, London Symphony Orchestra)*CARTER BREY - Principal Cello, New
Movement One – A Burning Denunciation of the Creator (S2, Ep.1)
Mahler’s Second Symphony begins with the funeral for the hero of his First Symphony. The dramatic music rages with sorrow and anger...but also hope, for life after death.*****Starring:*JAMES LURIE as the voice of Gustav MahlerGuests include:*KENT NAGANO – Conductor (Hamburg State Opera and Philharmonic, Montreal Symphony Orchestra)*CARTER BREY - Principal Cello, New York Philharmonic
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.Winner of a Gold Award at the 2022 New York Festivals Radio Awards and a 2022 Signal Award.*****Starring James Lurie as the voice of Gustav Mahler, Laura Gragtmans as the voi
Movement Four – The Battle of Fate (S1, Ep.4)
Gustav Mahler originally titled his First Symphony “Titan,” because of the mighty struggle between his hero and fate, a monumental battle that reaches its climax in the fourth movement. *****Starring:*JAMES LURIE as the voice of Gustav Mahler*LAURA GRAGTMANS as the voice of Natalie Bauer-LechnerGuests include:*MICHAEL TILSON THOMAS – Conductor (San Francisco Symphony, New World Symph
Movement Three – The Huntsman’s Funeral (S1, Ep.3)
Early audiences found the third movement of Gustav Mahler’s First Symphony grotesque, macabre and unsettling. Inspired by an engraving entitled “The Huntsman’s Funeral,” Mahler juxtaposes death with humor, incorporating a popular children's melody—a brilliant touch that still delights and spooks audiences today. *****Starring:*JAMES LURIE as the voice of Gustav Mahler*LAURA GRAGTMANS
Movement Two – All Music Proceeds from the Dance (S1, Ep.2)
In the second movement of his First Symphony, Gustav Mahler draws upon the dance music of his youth. As his mood becomes more exuberant, so too, does the music.*****Starring:*JAMES LURIE as the voice of Gustav Mahler*LAURA GRAGTMANS as the voice of Natalie Bauer-LechnerGuests include:*MICHAEL TILSON THOMAS – Conductor (San Francisco Symphony, New World Symphony, London Symphony Orchestra)
Movement One – Isn’t This a Splendid World? (S1, Ep.1)
Gustav Mahler’s First Symphony is the story of a young man beginning his journey through life. In fact, it is Mahler himself, looking at the world with wide-eyed wonder. Originally, he titled the first movement “Spring Without End,” for its depiction of the joys of nature. *****Starring:*JAMES LURIE as the voice of Gustav Mahler*LAURA GRAGTMANS as the voice of Natalie Bauer-LechnerGu
Season 1 - Mahler's First Symphony
Season 1 focuses on Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 in D major (1888), taking listeners back to the work’s origins in the street songs, folk tunes and bugle calls of Mahler’s childhood. Each episode is devoted to a movement of the symphony.*****Starring James Lurie as the voice of Gustav Mahler and Laura Gragtmans as the voice of Natalie Bauer-Lechner.Guests include conductors Kent Nagano and Mic
Recommended
megahired.com
Telli Talks with Telli Swift
Harmonize Your Life: Conversation on Self-Care for Women of Color
Lighting the Legal Career Path
High Performance Mindset | Learn from World-Class Leaders, Consultants, Athletes & Coaches about Mindset
Pintastic® Pinterest Podcast
Learn 50 English Phrases While You Sleep | Everyday English Phrases & Vocabulary
The Daily
The Joe Rogan Experience
World News Tonight with David Muir
Talk About Talk - Executive & Leadership Communication Skills
This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
