After a brief romance, Mahler wins the hand of Alma Schindler, and they become man and wife. But on what terms? Donald Macleod continues the story of Mahler's marriage to Alma and its relationship to his music.

Their relationship wasn't always the happiest, the terms he laid down for their marriage were far from fair, and she wasn't always faithful to her husband. But Alma Mahler exerted a powerful fascination on Gustav, and proved not only an inspiration but a also a very practical support for his working and creative life.

In today's episode, the happy couple enjoy a working honeymoon in Moscow, and Alma is privileged to attend the premiere of Mahler's 3rd Symphony, when she truly acknowledges her husband's genius.

Liebst du um Schönheit
Dietrich Fischer Dieskau, baritone
Daniel Barenboim, piano

Symphony 3 (4th movt: Sehr langsam, Misterioso; 5th movt: Lustig im Tempo und keck in Ausdruck)
Philharmonia Orchestra
Sarah Connolly, mezzo-soprano
Tiffin Boys' Choir
Lorin Maazel, conductor

Blicke mir Nicht
Um Mitternacht
Brigitte Fassbaender, mezzo-soprano
Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin
Riccardo Chailly, conductor

Symphony 5 (4th movt: Adagietto; 5th movt: Rondo)
NDR Sinfonieorchester
Klaus Tennstedt, conductor. Show less