Gustav Mahler’s 🔥

 

Gustav Mahler, was known for his exacting standards and intense rehearsals. During his tenure as the director of the Vienna Court Opera, he was conducting a rehearsal when he suddenly stopped the orchestra and shouted, "Gentlemen, you are playing as if you don't care. You must play with passion, with fire, with life!"

One of the musicians, trying to lighten the mood, replied, "But Herr Mahler, if we play with too much fire, we might burn the house down!"

Without missing a beat, Mahler shot back, "Better to burn down the house than bore the audience to death!" 

Mahler's fiery personality and quick wit often made his rehearsals as memorable as his performances.