Mahler's influence on 20th-century music

Gustav Mahler profoundly influenced 20th-century music by expanding the scale and emotional depth of symphonic composition. His innovative approach combined vivid orchestration, complex textures, and profound philosophical themes, inspiring composers such as Shostakovich, Britten, and Schnittke. Mahler challenged traditional boundaries, integrating personal expression and existential questions into grand musical forms. His blend of Romantic intensity with modern ideas helped bridge the 19th-century musical language with contemporary techniques, paving the way for new styles and emotional ranges in art music throughout the century.