Mahler, GustavMah‧ler, Gus‧tav /ˈmɑːlə, ˈɡʊstɑːv $ -lər, ˈɡʌs-/(1860–1911) an Austrian composer whose work is typical of the romantic style. He is known especially for his symphonies (symphony ) and for his sets of songs, Das Lied von der Erde and Kindertotenlieder.