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Scottish, Catholic composer Sir James MacMillan considers the faith lives of three very different composers. In this programme, he considers Gustav Mahler’s complex faith life at a time of anti-Semitism and great personal tragedy. Over the centuries, composers have created musical masterpieces that many listeners have come to regard as spiritual touchstones. For example, Mozart’s Requiem, Mahler’s 2nd Symphony, Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis. But what did these composers actually believe about God, faith, judgement, an afterlife and redemption? And do we need to share these beliefs in any way in order to have a spiritual experience as listeners to their music? Answers to these questions are complex, fascinating and challenging. In order to take up the directorship of the Vienna State Opera, Gustav Mahler was required to convert from Judaism to Christianity. Was this a purely pragmatic conversion or was there more to this life-changing decision than meets the eye? His Symphonies catalogue his faith journey from some fairly widely accepted Christian views contained in the earlier works through to Buddhist influences and a possible view of reincarnation in his last works. The conductor Bruno Walter said, "Bruckner found his God, but Mahler was always looking" James MacMillan talks with Mahler scholars - composer David Matthews, writer and musicologist Stephen Johnson and Professor Marilyn McCoy. Produced by Rosie Boulton A Must Try Softer production for ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 4 Mahler Music played: Mahler 1st Symphony, 1st Movement Performers: Claudio Abbado / Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra CD title: Mahler 1st Symphony Deutsche Grammophon Mahler 2nd Symphony, last movement Performers: Rattle / CBSO EMI Mahler 3rd Symphony Performers: Claudio Abbado / Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra Deutsche Grammophon Mahler 9th Symphony, 4th Movement Performers: Claudio Abbado / Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra CD title: Mahler 9th Symphony Deutsche Grammophon Mahler 10th Symphony, 1st Movement Performers: Simon Rattle / Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra CD: Mahler Symphonie 10 Label: EMI Mahler 10th Symphony, 5th Movement Performers: Simon Rattle / Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra CD: Mahler Symphonie 10 Label: EMI Mahler’s Rückert-Lieder Op.44 - Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen Performers: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau /Berliner Philharmoniker / Karl Böhm CD title: Mahler: Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen; Kindertotenlieder; 4 Rückert-Lieder Deutsche Grammophon