The six-part series Sons of Vienna explores stories through the eyes of musicians, professors and musicologists. It portrays extraordinary composers who were active in the cultural city of Vienna and deserve the label of genius. In episode no. 6, Life Against the Odds, we follow the life and work of Gustav Mahler. Antisemitism haunted the composer, but he did little to improve this situation. A womanizer, he fought enormous opposition from all sides when he married his wife Alma who, like Mahler, proved to be unfaithful. Reoccurring ill health may have led to his histrionics and lack of patience. As a conductor he was cordially loathed by musicians and patrons alike. Yet he still managed to bring a well-documented mastery that kept him steadily employed. Why were his compositions so unappreciated during his lifetime yet widely performed and praised today? Was it his reputation as a volatile conductor that forced his compositions into the shadows? Was it his antisocial behavior or simply antisemitism?