To judge a composer's work, one must consider it as a whole.

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

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

It is easier to achieve a desired result in short pieces.

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

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

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