As a leading European conductor and the composer of enormous and controversial symphonies, Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) became the subject of much criticism during his lifetime. Going behind the facade of "misunderstood hero", Peter Franklin's illuminating biography shows Mahler as a profoundly sensitive thinker and composer, but a dictatorial conductor and husband. 21 photos.

Professor Peter Franklin focuses on intercultural communication and intercultural management in his teaching, writing and research at Hochschule Konstanz University of Applied Sciences. For many years he has also advised organisations working across cultures and trained and coached their employees better to understand, handle and leverage culturally complex contexts. Raised in the UK, Peter has spent his entire professional life in Germany, where since 1992 he has worked in numerous international contexts and projects.

1. Mahler's world; 2. Becoming a musician in Vienna; 3. Playing the artist - the beginnings of a career; 4. The 'devil' in the wings; 5. Imperial and royal (nature and the city); 6. Alma's Mahler; 7. On the heights; 8. 'What I leave behind me ...'.