Thomas Beecham
Thomas Beecham
Sir Thomas Beecham, 2nd Baronet, CHwas an English conductor and impresario best known for his association with the London Philharmonic and the Royal Philharmonic orchestras. He was also closely associated with the Liverpool Philharmonic and Hallé orchestras. From the early 20th century until his death, Beecham was a major influence on the musical life of Britain and, according to the BBC, was Britain's first international conductor...
NationalityEnglish
ProfessionComposer
Date of Birth29 April 1879
funny music two
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.
two skeletons musical
The sound of a harpsichord - two skeletons copulating on a tin roof in a thunderstorm.
tunes
The grand tune is the only thing in music that the great public really understands.
music memories magic
Great music is that which penetrates the ear with facility and leaves the memory with difficulty. Magical music never leaves the memory.
love funny music
The English may not like music, but they absolutely love the noise it makes.
women composer has-beens
There are no woman composers, never have been and possibly never will be.
music men lasts
Beethoven's last quartets were written by a deaf man and should only be listened to by a deaf man.
bird cages sound
The sound of the harpsichord resembles that of a bird-cage played with toasting-forks.
country thinking musical
Composers and musicians have always starved and, as this is a sentimental country, we think the tradition should be continued.
music player upset
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.
giving musical legs
Madam, you have between your legs an instrument capable of giving pleasure to thousands and all you can do is scratch it.
stars soon-enough errors
A soprano in Massenet's Don Quixote complained that she had missed her entry in the aria, "because Mr. Challiapin always dies too soon." "Madam, you must be profoundly in error," said Sir Thomas, "No operatic star has yet died half soon enough for me."
people appreciate stupidity
It is quite untrue that British people don't appreciate music. They may not understand it but they absolutely love the noise it makes.
singing musical brake
Her singing reminds me of a cart coming downhill with the brake on.