A symphony must be like the world. It must contain everything.
Gustav Mahler

All that is not perfect down to the smallest detail is doomed to perish.
Gustav Mahler

An operetta is simply a small and gay opera.
Gustav Mahler

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

Behind me the branches of a wasted and sterile existence are cracking.
Gustav Mahler

Destiny smiles upon me but without making me the least bit happier.
Gustav Mahler

Discipline, work. Work, discipline.
Gustav Mahler

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

Even if people censure me, they should do so hat in hand.
Gustav Mahler

Fortunately, something always remains to be harvested. So let us not be idle.
Gustav Mahler

I also had a brother who was like me a musician and a composer. A man of great talent, far more gifted than I. He died very young... he killed himself in the prime of his life.
Gustav Mahler

I am hitting my head against the walls, but the walls are giving way.
Gustav Mahler

I beg of you... never assume an inner or an outer pose, never a disguise.
Gustav Mahler

I don't let myself get carried away by my own ideas - I abandon 19 out of 20 of them every day.
Gustav Mahler

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

I hope you will no longer accuse me of a lack of delicacy. as I now count on your understanding.
Gustav Mahler

I live like a Hottentot. I cannot exchange one sensible word with anyone.
Gustav Mahler

I was a crazy young man who let himself be blinded by his passions and obeyed only the impulses of the moment.
Gustav Mahler

If a composer could say what he had to say in words he would not bother trying to say it in music.
Gustav Mahler

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