Jens Fischer's biography of Mahler (Gustav Mahler: Der fremde Vertraute) is to be published in English this summer by Yale University Press. This book has been mentioned once or twice here, but I'd like to know if anyone could offer an appraisal of its importance, strengths, and weaknesses.
I picked up this book in its new paperback format (in German) last year--I didn't know that an English edition was to be forthcomng. This is a 991-page tome which trys to 'cover all the bases', primarily for the benefit of newcomers to Mahler who want to learn a lot all at once without having to buy multiple volumes.
Strengths: Easy to read prose (and I read it in German), without a lot of psycho-babble or difficult musicological theorizing. Organised more along the lines of stand-alone thematic chapters (although roughly 'chronological'), which enables jumping around according to what interests you at the moment. Comprehensive coverage of all of the stations of Mahler's career, as well as all of his musical compositions. A very interesting chapter on Mahler's physical ailments and their impact on his life.
Weaknesses: The book is not very well documented. Although many of Malte-Fischer's arguments are sensible and well-reasoned, they are often only his opinions which you much digest and accept, reject, or research further. Very few footnotes and limited bibliography. A lot of space taken up by the 'obligatory' discography, timeline, list of works, etc. Strangely he basically dismisses the critical contribution made to our knowledge of Mahler's later years that was made by the Swiss Mahler admirer and chronicler William Ritter.
Summary: A pretty comprehensive overview and character study of Mahler and his life and work. A lot of personal opinions and suppositions. No really major revelations. Should be easy to read if the translation is good. Probably not a must for those who already have the De La Grange set.
FYI,
Mike Bosworth
P.S. How are they translating the title? "The foreign intimate"??
