The sound of the harpsichord resembles that of a bird-cage played with toasting-forks.

The function of music is to release us from the tyranny of conscious thought.

They are quite hopeless - drooling, driveling, doleful, depressing, dropsical drips.

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

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.

"Have you heard any Stockhausen?" Beecham was asked. "No, but I believe I have stepped in some."

Madam, you have between your legs an instrument capable of giving pleasure to thousands and all you can do is scratch it.

The sound of a harpsichord - two skeletons copulating on a tin roof in a thunderstorm.

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

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.

It is quite untrue that British people don't appreciate music. They may not understand it but they absolutely love the noise it makes.

What are you seeking? Spiritual Health or Monetary Wealth? While the latter will dissolve, the former will make you evolve!

He sighs. "It's just, you said they're up there protecting us..." He looks down at his hands in his lap. "Then why didn't they protect me?

Almost everything that almost everyone believes is wrong.

The danger with running for president is sooner or later some sound bite is going hit.

Before the sin, Satan assures us that it is of no consequence; after the sin, he persuades us that it is unforgivable.

Live your life as if you are ready to say goodbye to it at any moment, as if the time left for you were some pleasant surprise.

Order and surprise: these are two intertwined elements that make for any great library or collection.

Luck can often mean simple taking advantage of a situation at the right moment, It is possible to make your luck by being always prepared.

The assumption that what currently exists must necessarily exist is the acid that corrodes all visionary thinking.

When the needs of one person are being met by the other, there is laughter.