Within a few short years of professional life (1880–85), Mahler gained sufficient experience to become one of the leading young conductors in the German-speaking world. This chapter surveys his first four appointments (Bad Hall, Laibach, Olmütz, and Kassel), asking how the unique conditions of each setting might have contributed to his development. The central features of Mahler’s character as a performer appeared early: meticulous rehearsals, fidelity to the score, attention to detail in all aspects of preparation, and relentless influence on the production and staging. Even in the amateurish circumstances of the first two positions, Mahler’s distinctive charisma and remarkable music results made themselves felt, as is revealed in newspaper reviews. By the time he left Kassel he had become the mature conductor who would make his mark in major opera houses of Germany, Hungary, Austria, and the United States.