IN SEARCH OF SPIRITUAL IDENTITY: COMPARATIVE ASPECTS BETWEEN GUSTAV MAHLER AND ALFRED SCHNITTKE

In this paper, I will approach the connections I have discovered between two composers born in different centuries and cultures, belonging to distinct historical periods, but having certain biographical resemblances, similar compositional conceptions and multiple stylistic options. Gustav Mahler and Alfred Schnittke have in common the combination of various musical styles and different sources of inspiration, the integration of folkloric elements in musical contexts with new aesthetic features and the approach to Western European tradition with an explicit referential intention. They used similar techniques such as quotation, development and distortion of the model or they created original themes in the manner of other styles, frequently generating parodic effect by overlapping contrasting elements. For a deeper understanding of the compositional profile and the semantic substratum of their music, it is necessary to approach some aspects of the personal life of the two composers, relating significant details with features of their works. The purpose of this research is a general overview of the biographical course and historical context in which G. Mahler and A. Schnittke lived, leading to an analytical comparison between two vocal-symphonicworks, which have a similar general theme and are both very suggestive for the spiritual search undertaken by the two composers, in order to exemplify the peculiarities of musical language and semantic content: Symphony No. 8 by G. Mahler and Symphony No. 4 by A. Schnittke.