Ekstein was a passionate researcher and author whose work was entirely dedicated to Gustav Mahler. He himself called his mission “the Mahler cause”—a cause to which he devoted himself with tireless energy, great perseverance, and at times with deliberate efforts to bring about renewal. In doing so, he did not shy away from challenging entrenched structures when it came to raising public awareness of Mahler’s work.
He was closely associated with the Gustav Mahler Stichting Nederland, for which he served, among other roles, as secretary. At the same time, Ekstein was part of the international network of Mahler research. In his work, he devoted himself in particular to archival sources and editorial issues. Of particular note are his contributions to the Nachrichten zur Mahler-Forschung: In issue 63 (2011), he published a previously unknown letter by Mahler from the archives of the Dutch Mahler Foundation; this was followed in issue 67 (2013) by a review of the edition of the Second Symphony in the New Critical Complete Edition. These studies attest to his enduring commitment to the scholarly examination of Mahler’s work.
Many who knew him also recall joint trips to Mahler sites and stimulating encounters at conferences and congresses—inspired by his enthusiasm and tireless dedication.
With the passing of Louis Ekstein, the Mahler community loses a passionate advocate for the “Mahler cause,” whose work and personality will remain vividly in our memory.
https://gustavmahlerstichting.nl/en