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

All the arts in America are a gigantic racket run by unscrupulous men for unhealthy women.
Thomas Beecham

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

Composers should write tunes that chauffeurs and errand boys can whistle.
Thomas Beecham

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

I have just been all round the world and have formed a very poor opinion of it.
Thomas Beecham

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

No operatic star has yet died soon enough for me.
Thomas Beecham

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

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.
Thomas Beecham