What is for you, in your own personal view, the highest form of art? One day I found myself confronted with this question when I reviewed my own place in the world of art and where I would like to direct my future steps.

 Truth be told music to me is the most exciting thing in the world (with the exception of my beloved Angi) and music, for me comes even before visual art. What is it that carried me through dark times, what lifted my spirit the most when it was in dire need? What causes me to trip without drugs and what extends my consciousness?

The answer seems to be romantic, symphonic music. In my childhood I had a record of Mahler's 1st symphony playing in my head. It played on a constant round, hundreds of times, while other children were playing soccer or watching television.

Since then my musical interests have meandered between worlds of progressive rock (that showed symphonic tendencies) to vintage electronica, film music and other dramatic sounds from various genres. (I have several thousand albums and will be happy to share some of my treasures in future articles.)

All these influences lived in a peaceful chaos orbiting my personal sphere until a few years ago when this question arose "What is your highest form of personal expression or art?" And based on that answer, another question: "To what will you give your attention?" The answers to those questions started a major body/mind/spirit earthquake. In this light, the word "focus" took on a new meaning. How much did I want to divert myself, how many detours (even the enjoyable ones) did I want to choose before I point my attention to what moves me most? Why not go straight to the center more often? My answer to the question "What is your highest form of personal expression"  came in a clear and resounding inner voice "the romantic symphony." With this insight I re-focused and picked up again studies on music theory and composition. In the middle of a demanding, rewarding and expansive career in graphic arts, I am now taking aim at the world of symphonic music, as I strive to express what is, for me, the highest and purest demonstration of my soul's voice.

So now I would like to share with you my all-time favorite composer: Gustav Mahler (1860-1911). Without further going into personal details I can say that I experience strong soulful bonding whenever I get in touch with his music. With most composers I like certain pieces more and others less, but with Mahler I love his entire oeuvre. His music is of late romantic style and he pushes it to extremes. It is often said his music paved the way for further modern developments that would surface after his death. The music lives from an immense amount of contrast and complexity but it never loses melodic bedding. To juggle the notes between the ends of this juxtaposition resulted in nothing but masterpieces. After Mahler's death his music was not played a lot. Nazi-Germany did not approve of his music because Mahler had been born a Jew. Mahler himself said "my time will come" and it sure did when later in the 2oth century a few conductors, especially Leonard Bernstein, brought Mahler's music back into the spotlight. Since the 1960s Mahler concerts are frequently performed and enjoy widespread popularity. Let me share a link here to a performance with Leonard Bernstein:

The first symphony was not so well received at its debut in Budapest in 1889. The very first note, an extremely high pitch (to be played as flagolet) was difficult to play and violinists screamed revolt, setting a dis-harmonic tone throughout the rehearsals. At the concert many people were confused and one lady dropped her handbag from the balcony when the fourth movement started with earth-shattering fury!

One of my favorite movements is the third from this first symphony. It's a funeral march using the children song "Brother Jacob" in a minor mode, followed by something sounding like Eastern European humor. The movement was inspired by an illustration by Moritz von Schwind depicting animals in a funeral march; they carry their hunter.

I hope you enjoy listening to one of my muses. And in the meantime, my question to you is: What media, for you, is the ultimate joyful expression of your creativity? Would it be film, painting, theater, or music? What kind? Which form of art is most awe inspiring to you?

And in light of that answer, to what are you devoting your attention?