At the Thomas-Mann-Archiv, Zurich. Alongside the permanent exhibition evoking Mann's study, the archive has mounted a temporary exhibition titled "Achtung Europa!," about the author's political activity in Europe over the course of his life.
A haunting item, to be seen in the Komponistenquartier Museum in Hamburg. Mahler converted to Catholicism at the St. Ansgarkirche in Hamburg in February 1897, in advance of his move to Vienna.
American classical organizations have mostly ignored György Ligeti's hundred birthday, but events have been plentiful in Europe. The Vienna Philharmonic, Dresden Philharmonic, Gürzenich Orchestra, and Karajan Academy of the Berlin Philharmonic are all playing his music today. The Dallas Symphony is one of very few American groups marking the anniversary. I devoted a column to Ligeti in 2001 and wrote this notice when he died, in 2006. I treasure the memory of meeting the great man, in 1993, even if I asked a stupid question.
Taken during a visit to the lovely Grieg Museum in Troldhaugen, outside Bergen. Below, pictures of Grieg's composing hut. Earlier, in Lofthus, he had a similar cabin built. These were perhaps the inspiration for Mahler's various composing huts.