Quotes by Thomas Beecham

• The English may not like music, but they absolutely love the noise it makes.
• A musicologist is a man who can read music but can't hear it.
• 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.
• I have just been all round the world and have formed a very poor opinion of it.
• Great music is that which penetrates the ear with facility and leaves the memory with difficulty. Magical music never leaves the memory.
• Composers should write tunes that chauffeurs and errand boys can whistle.
• Brass bands are all very well in their place - outdoors and several miles away.