Thomas Beecham Music Quotations

Great music is that which penetrates the ear with facility and leaves the memory with difficulty. Magical music never leaves the memory.

The English may not like music, but they absolutely love the noise it makes.

There are two golden rules for an orchestra: start together and finish together. The public doesn't give a damn what goes on in between.

Movie music is noise... even more painful than my sciatica.

Brass bands are all very well in their place - outdoors and several miles away.

A musicologist is a man who can read music but can't hear it.

The trouble with women in an orchestra is that if they're attractive it will upset my players and if they're not it will upset me.

Beethoven's last quartets were written by a deaf man and should only be listened to by a deaf man.

Magical music never leaves the memory.

Elgar's first symphony is the musical equivalent of St Pancras Railway Station.

A musicologist is a man who can read music but cannot hear it.

Music first and last should sound well, should allure and enchant the ear. Never mind the inner significance.

I prefer Offenbach to Bach often.