Mahler
GUSTAV, a German musical composer; born in Bohemia 1860 and died in Vienna 1911. From 1884 to 1900 he conducted orchestras in various cities of the Continent, Prague, Leipzig, and Budapest. In 1897 he became director of the Court opera at Vienna and retained this position until 1907. During the season 1907-1908 he conducted German operas at the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, and in 1909 he reorganized the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and made it one of the best in America. He achieved more success as a conductor than as a composer, and is ranked as one of the greatest masters of his profession.
MAHMUD (mä-möd'), Sultan of Ghazni, the founder of the Mohammedan empire of India; born in Ghazni, Afghanistan, about 970. His father, Sabaktagin, governor of Ghazni, owned a nominal allegiance to Persia, but was really independent. On his death Mahmud put aside his elder brother; formed an alliance against the Persian monarch, overthrew his kingdom and laid the foundation of an extensive empire in central Asia (999). He then turned his attention to India, and in a series of 12 invasions secured a great amount of treasure and vastly extended his power.
He was a patron of literature, and brought many men of learning about his court, among whom was the poet Firdusi.
He established large educational institutions at Ghazni, and spent vast sums on public works. He died in Ghazni in 1030. 30