Quotes By Gustav Mahler

In the theatrical works we love and admire the most, the ending of the drama generally takes place offstage.

I have become a different person. I don't know whether this person is better, he certainly is not happier.

When I have reached a summit, I leave it with great reluctance, unless it is to reach for another, higher one.

The call of love sounds very hollow among these immobile rocks.

It should be one's sole endeavor to see everything afresh and create it anew.

Beauty and fullness of tone can be achieved by having the whole orchestra play with high clarinets and a carefully selected number of piccolos.

There is a world of difference between a Mahler eighth note and a normal eighth note.

Spring won't let me stay in this house any longer! I must get out and breathe the air deeply again.

Discipline, work. Work, discipline.

Don't bother looking at the view - I have already composed it.

Never let oneself be guided by the opinion of one's contemporaries. Continue steadfastly on one's way.

If you think you're boring your audience, go slower not faster.

If I weren't the way I am, I shouldn't write my symphonies.