I’m not a Mahler fan but put up my hand as soon as I spotted Robert Seethaler’s brief novella, The Last Movement, which sees the composer on his last transatlantic voyage to Europe, a few months before his death. I’ve read all four of Seethaler’s translated novels, beginning with A Whole Life over a decade ago, and have been impressed by each of them.
Not yet fifty, he was already a legend: the greatest orchestra director of his age, perhaps of any age. But he paid for this fame with the calamity of a body that was consuming itself.
Despite the chill sea wind, Gustav Mahler sits on the sundeck of the Amerika trying to stave off the fever that’s dogged him for some time. He thinks of his wife and young daughter enjoying their breakfast although he knows he’s long outstayed the time that would have taken to eat. He’s attended by the ship’s boy, solicitous and concerned, who knows that this man’s famous and that he’s dying. As Mahler sits, sometimes shivering, sometimes sweating, he recalls his career: a decade as director of the Vienna Court Opera and its much gossiped about shakeup; the Munich premiere, just six months ago, of his Eighth Symphony; the concerts he gave on his St Petersburg honeymoon; always driven, often neglecting his beloved wife until her love for him wore thin. Months later, the ship’s boy – now a hardened deckhand – learns that Mahler has died, wishing he could hear the music for which this man he remembers so well was famous.
People wanted in on it. They wanted to be a part of the conversation. Above all, though, they wanted to see the fidgety little Jew who had inexplicably contrived to discipline the best and most intractable orchestra in the world.
Written in characteristically plain yet evocative prose, translated beautifully by Charlotte Collins, Seethaler’s novella is a one-sitting read, an internal monologue for the most part, as Mahler reflects on his life and career. It captures the obsessive creative passion of a man so driven it consumes him, exacerbating the frailty that began early in life, leaving him with little energy to pay attention to his wife even though he’s besotted with her. Not much longer than a short story, it’s another immersive and impressive piece of fiction by Seethaler, and kudos to Canongate for publishing this one straight into paperback.
Canongate: Edinburgh 9781837265213 128 pages Paperback (Read via NetGalley)
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I read A Whole Life and loved it and Charlotte Collins is a great translator, so this is going on my list for November!
He’s become a favourite for me. Charlotte Collins is superb, isn’t she.
Oh gosh, this sounds good. I’ve only read A Whole Life which I thought was marvellous so I need to look out for this one!
I’ve yet to read anything by Seethaler I’ve not enjoyed. He and Charlotte Collins make a great team.
What’s the quote from Educating Rita, ‘Wouldn’t you just die without Mahler?’ I think, said by Maureen Lipman’s character. Straight into pbk, count me in on this one. Sounds rather brilliant.
You’ve made me want to see the movie again! Hope you enjoy the Seethaler.
I’m not a Mahler fan either but this sounds stunning, and the two Seethalers I’ve read I thought were just brilliant. Completely sold!
Perhaps, too late to squeeze it into this month’s novellas but maybe one for November.
With your love of his work in mind, I recently went through the library catalogue looking for options, and there are a few (but not this one, not yet anyway). I’m really looking forward to reading him!
I hope you enjoy what the library had to offer, Marcie. I’d read anything by him!
Like you, I’m not a Mahler fan, but also like you, I AM a Robert Seethaler fan. This goes straight onto the TBR. Ordered from the library already (only 9 on the reservations list currently …)
Looking at bookshop displays, I’m pleased to see he’s become more popular since The Cafe With No Name. Hope you enjoy it when you get to it.
Well, it looks a short read. It’ll probably queue jump.
I’m no fan of Mahler either, but this does sound good. Thanks.
My pleasure! He’s a fine writer.
This sounds great. I like Seethaler’s books as well. I like Mahler too and when I hear his music think of that Ken Russell film about him. But it was 1974 so a long time ago!
This one’s tailor made for you, then. I remember seeing Russell’s The Devils when I was far too young and squeamish!
Another one added to my wishlist thanks to you!
You’re welcome! An afternoon’s read.