Alma Mahler: Muse Or Monster?

It was the litany of lovers and husbands in what he described as ‘the juiciest, spiciest, raciest obituary that it has ever been my pleasure to read’ that inspired Tom Lehrer’s famous song about Alma Mahler:

‘Her lovers were many and varied,
from the day she began her beguine.
There were three famous ones whom she married and
God knows how many between.’

Alma Schindler Mahler Gropius Werfel was not one of those celebrated beauties who retained her allure into old age. Colour film footage of her from the 1950s in conversation with her daughter Anna presents a raddled and formidable matron. And how did all those sensitive artists endure that grating voice? In photographs taken of her in her prime, we can admire her flawless profile and magnificent bosom. Were these features enough to fascinate a small army of gifted men?

In this evening of chamber music and songs (some by the lady herself) you shall explore the enigma of Alma Mahler and the impact she had on the culture and music of her time.