Quotes by 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
The real art of conducting consists in transitions.
– Gustav Mahler
The point is not to take the world's opinion as a guiding star but to go one's way in life and working unerringly, neither depressed by failure nor seduced by applause.
– Gustav Mahler
The impressions of the spriritual experiences gave my future life its form and content.
– Gustav Mahler
I hope you will no longer accuse me of a lack of delicacy. as I now count on your understanding.
– 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