>>127039801
I think in general Szell was being retarded here, as much as I like him. Especially the last point, I don't think that Bruckner was any less intellectual than Mahler. His symphonies show as such, symphonies like his 5th showcase a huge amount of introspection and thought. Just because he wasn't as philosophically inclined doesn't mean he was retarded and just received his musical skill from God, God was his inspiration. The final story he gave is more likely just a result of social autism rather than a lack of intellect.
As far as them being mentioned in the same breath often. Mahler and Bruckner had plenty of interactions and Bruckner was a prominent inspiration for Mahler, not to mention their symphonies being very comparable in scale. Of course they'd be mentioned together in some capacity. I don't think the two are comparable, but I see no issue with linking them together. Especially because those that like Bruckner are 90% of the time also going to like Mahler too.
