Steve Sarper
Wednesday, May 3, 2023,
2:30-3:30 pm,
ASA Koffler Great Room
Gustav Mahler is said to have bridged the musical traditions of the 19th and more modernist 20th century, but whose works have been most appreciated since the 1960’s. His unique style was different from the Romantic composers and has influenced composers ever since. If you are new to Mahler, you’re going to get an introduction to his music. If you already love Mahler’s music, you’ll find out more about his life and music.
During his presentation, Steve Sarper will present sections from different compositions of Mahler which show how he uses sound and mood in a piece to create impact on an audience. He’ll answer questions about why it took so many years for the music world to recognize him as an important composer, what hardships he endured in his life and how it might have affected his professional life, which people influenced him, what he was like to work as a conductor, and even more… What a fascinating peak into the life of a composer!
Sarper, a retiree now living in Tucson, describes his first encounter with Mahler’s music: “In the mid-60’s, when I lived in Florida, I heard the third movement of Mahler’s Fourth Symphony, and I was hooked!” Since then, Harper has actively sought out performances of Mahler’s work—particularly his symphonies—and has become affiliated with Mahler Societies wherever he could. Through those affiliations he has studied as many sources of information about Mahler as possible. Although not a professional musician, Sarper has intensively investigated not only Gustav Mahler’s life (1860-1911) but the composer’s music as well. To the Arizona Senior Academy he brings stories of both.
Steve is passionate about Mahler since first hearing his music int eh 1960’s and has immersed himself in the life and music of Mahler’s genius.
Compiled and Edited by Rosemary Brown, Academy Village Volunteer