1902—Vienna, Austria

Gustav Mahler writes the following about his 3rd Symphony in a letter to Richard Strauss: “A motley collection [of players] that is not up to standard could not cope with my work; that I know! Just have a look at the score! At any rate, the first trombone must be outstanding, with a colossal tone and mighty breath! Would not your first trombonist in Berlin, whom I have heard highly praised, be best for this?” (Mahler Correspondence 70).