Alma Mahler (1879-1964) was a composer, sculptor, and writer. Though she was less widely known as an artist, those who have heard her name probably know it through a famous song performed by the satirist Tom Lehrer in 1965.
Alma Mahler (1879-1964) was a composer, sculptor, and writer. Though she was less widely known as an artist, those who have heard her name probably know it through a famous song performed by the satirist Tom Lehrer in 1965.
This month, we’re talking about muses–women who were drivers of creativity and inspiration. Once again, we’re proud to partner with Mercedes-Benz (whose famous namesake was inspired by a young muse named Mercedes). Tune in daily for stories of women whose lives inspired work that has shaped our culture.
History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn’t help wondering... where were all the ladies at? Why were so many incredible stories missing from the typical curriculum? Enter, Womanica. On this Wonder Media Network podcast we explore the lives of inspiring women in history you may not know about, but definitely should.
Every weekday, listeners explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we’ll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know–but definitely should. These diverse women from across space and time are grouped into easily accessible and engaging monthly themes like Educators, Villains, Indigenous Storytellers, Activists, and many more. Womanica is hosted by WMN co-founder and award-winning journalist Jenny Kaplan. The bite-sized episodes pack painstakingly researched content into fun, entertaining, and addictive daily adventures.
Womanica was created by Liz Kaplan and Jenny Kaplan, executive produced by Jenny Kaplan, and produced by Liz Smith, Grace Lynch, Maddy Foley, Brittany Martinez, Edie Allard, Lindsey Kratochwill, Adesuwa Agbonile, Carmen Borca-Carrillo, Taylor Williamson, Ale Tejeda, Sara Schleede, and Alex Jhamb Burns. Special thanks to Shira Atkins.
Original theme music composed by Miles Moran.
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Hello! From Wonder Media Network, I’m Jenny Kaplan. This is Womanica.
This month, we’re talking about muses. Women who’ve captivated artists with their charisma, wit and talent.
Today’s Womanican was a composer, sculptor, and writer. Though she was less widely known as an artist,for those that have heard her name, chances are it was through a famous song performed by the satirist Tom Lehrer, in 1965.
Please welcome “the most beautiful girl in Vienna”, Alma Mahler.
Alma Margaretha Maria Schindler was born on August 31st, 1879 in Vienna, Austria.
Her father was the famous landscape painter Emil Schindler. Growing up, Alma did not attend school. She was educated at home by a tutor and as part of her lessons she learned piano. After her beloved father fell ill and died in 1892, Alma focused on the piano and developed her musical skills.
From the start, Alma had a litany of prestigious lovers. Her early admirers included the painter Gustav Klimt and the composer Alexander Zemlinsky, with whom she took composition classes.
Alma considered marrying Alexander until Gustav Mahler entered her life. An established musical figure in Vienna, Gustav was a composer, conductor and director of the Court Opera House. Alma decided to marry him instead. So Gustav penned a long letter detailing the terms of their marriage, as a sort of ultimatum.
Gustav wrote:
“Before we speak again, we must have clarified everything, you must know what I demand and expect of you, and what I can give in return.”
He asked that she abandon her musical studies and give herself to him “wholly.”
He continued, “Before we speak again…you must know what I demand and expect of you, and what I can give in return — what you must be for me. You must “renounce” (your word) everything superficial and conventional, all vanity and outward show (concerning your individuality and your work) — you must surrender yourself to me unconditionally… in return you must wish for nothing except my love! …But let me tell you just this: for someone I love the way I would love you if you were to become my wife, I can forfeit all my life and all my happiness.”
Alma married him.
They moved, had two children, and led a quiet life regulated by the routine Gustav’s work demanded. Alma, used to a glittering social life, became bored and isolated. Alma wrote: “ I sit down at the piano, dying to play, but musical notation no longer means anything to me. My eyes have forgotten how to read it. I have been firmly taken by the arm and led away from myself. And I long to return to where I was."
Years into their marriage the couple reached a “crisis of three blows”, as Gustav put it.
Alma had an affair with the architect Walter Gropius, their five-year-old daughter Maria died, and Gustav was diagnosed with a heart defect. During this time, Gustav was advised by Sigmund Freud to encourage his wife to return to music. Alma took up the task and Gustav edited the songs. Only 14 of her compositions were published but she composed many more.
After Gustav died in 1911 Alma never returned to composing.
Alma went on to marry Walter Gropius. During that marriage she lost another child and had another affair. This time with the writer Franz Werfel. And so Alma married him after she separated from Walter. They too had a child that did not survive to adulthood.
While Alma had many admirers, in a discussion for the London Review of Books, writer Bee Wilson explains that Alma was known to be a difficult woman and one who liked to “preside over her husbands,” Bee suggests that Alma, “actively chose the route of being a muse because she felt it was a greater form of power”. She often used her affection as a cruel tool saying things like, “the more you achieve the more I will love you.”
Alma was also known to be anti-semitic, and spoke openly about a preference for “Aryan” features or supposed “characteristics”. These were things she even said to demean her many jewish husbands and held over her children.
During World War II Franz and Alma moved several times, seeking refuge from anti-semtic violence. In 1940, they began a journey that would lead them to California, where Franz would die of a heart attack a few years later. In 1952, Alma moved to New York City, where she remained a cultural figure.
She died on December 11th, 1964. She was 85 years old.
All month, we’re highlighting muses. For more information, find us on Facebook and Instagram @womanicapodcast.
Special thanks to Liz Kaplan, my favorite sister and co-creator.
Talk to you tomorrow!