mahler was one of the last composers who belonged to the great musical tradition of germany and austria. although many german composers had written great symphonies (e.g. beethoven), mahler found something new to say in his music. his symphonies often have long melodies and he uses folk song as well as new sounds in the orchestra. mahler worked most of his life in the theatre, and this influences his musical language. a good example is "symphony no.4" which starts in the happy key of g major where the music describes the early life, but finishes in e major where the soprano soloist sings about the heavenly pleasures.