Meaning: The quote "Movie music is noise... even more painful than my sciatica" is attributed to Thomas Beecham, a British conductor and impresario known for his wit and outspoken opinions. Born in 1879, Beecham was a prominent figure in the classical music world, and his acerbic and often humorous remarks were widely reported and remembered.

In this particular quote, Beecham appears to express a negative view of movie music, likening it to a source of discomfort and irritation. By comparing it to his sciatica, a condition characterized by pain and discomfort in the lower back and leg, Beecham uses humor and hyperbole to convey his disdain for movie music. The quote reflects his perspective on the perceived quality and value of music composed for films, and it provides insight into the attitudes of some classical musicians towards the popular and commercial aspects of the music industry.

It is important to consider the context in which Beecham made this statement. During his lifetime, the role of music in films was evolving, and the emergence of cinema as a popular form of entertainment brought about new opportunities and challenges for composers and musicians. Beecham's background in classical music and his dedication to the traditional repertoire may have influenced his critical view of movie music, as it represented a departure from the artistic traditions he held in high regard.

Furthermore, Beecham's remark may also reflect a broader skepticism towards the commercialization of music. As a conductor and advocate for the classical music canon, he may have viewed movie music as a product of the entertainment industry, created for mass consumption and commercial success rather than artistic integrity. His comparison of movie music to "noise" suggests a dismissal of its artistic merit and a preference for the more refined and complex compositions found in classical repertoire.

However, it is important to note that Beecham's comment should be taken in the context of his personality and penchant for colorful language. While he was known for his wit and sharp-tongued humor, his remarks were not always to be taken entirely at face value. It is possible that his statement about movie music was intended to provoke a reaction or to highlight the contrast between the worlds of classical and popular music.

In conclusion, Thomas Beecham's quote about movie music provides a glimpse into the attitudes of some classical musicians towards the popular and commercial aspects of the music industry. His humorous and hyperbolic comparison of movie music to "noise" and his personal discomfort with it sheds light on the tensions between traditional artistic values and the changing landscape of music in the 20th century. While Beecham's remark may reflect a genuine disdain for movie music, it should also be understood within the context of his colorful personality and his role as a provocative and influential figure in the classical music world.