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Thomas Beecham Quotes (1879-1961)
About Thomas Beecham
Sir Thomas Beecham, 2nd Baronet, CH (29 April 1879 - 8 March 1961) was 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 HallΓ© 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.
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βIf I cannot sing a work, I cannot conduct it.β
βThe musical equivalent of the towers of St Pancras Stationβ
βToo much counterpoint; what is worse, Protestant counterpoint.β
βI found it as alluring as a wayward woman and determined to tame it.β
βNo composer has written as much as 100 bars of worthwhile music since 1925.β
βThe function of music is to release us from the tyranny of conscious thought.β
βThe grand tune is the only thing in music that the great public really understands.β
βAsked if he had ever conducted any Stockhausen, he said, "No, but I once trod in some."β
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Thomas Beecham on Melody
βComposers should write tunes the chauffeurs and errand boys can whistle.β
About Thomas Beecham
Sir Thomas Beecham, 2nd Baronet, CH (29 April 1879 - 8 March 1961) was 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 HallΓ© 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.