From 2021 to 2025, the research project Multiple Dimensions in Performances of Mahler’s Symphonies (MMD) addressed the fascinating question of how Gustav Mahler’s symphonies have been interpreted and performed over the last 120 years—and how these interpretations have developed historically and differ from one another. Under the direction of Christian Utz, a team at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz examined how conductors, soloists, and orchestras have shaped the sound and meaning of Mahler’s music through their recordings. The research data presented on the Zenodo platform include detailed segmentational analyses of all 51 symphonic movements of Mahler’s eleven symphonic works (Symphonies No. 1–10 and Das Lied von der Erde) as well as duration and tempo data from 582 recordings of these works (23.1% of 2,520 discographically documented complete recordings), comprising 2,604 individual movements (23.7% of 10,999 discographically documented movements).
The resulting data corpus is unique worldwide: it makes it possible to trace changes in Mahler interpretation over generations – from early shellac recordings to current digital productions. It became clear that there is no single “correct” interpretation of Mahler’s works: tempi, sound concepts, and forms of expression differ considerably between, but also within, historical periods and cultural areas. The project showed how strongly personal, technical, and social conditions influence the listening and performance of this music.