Beecham Stories: Anecdotes, Sayings and Impressions of Sir Thomas Beecham

by Harold Atkins (Editor), Archie Newman (Editor), Yehudi Menuhin (Foreword)

To a 'We cannot expect you to be with us all of the time, but perhaps you would be good enough to keep in touch now and again. 'Why do we in England engage at our concerts so many third-rate continental conductors when we have so many second-rate ones of our own.' So said Sir Thomas Beecham, generally regarded as England's greatest conductor and known not only for the genius of his musicianship, but also for his colourful personality and pithy sayings. Stories about Sir Thomas abound, and Harold Atkins and Archie Newman have gathered together a wide selection of them. They show him in full sail at various stages of his career - witty, tongue-in-cheek, often ruthlessly clearsighted. There are incidents eccentric, trenchant, occasionally outrageous - but always hilarious and peculiar to the man. They recall the salty flavour of Sir Thomas in action, sometimes in harmony with those about hi, sometimes in violent discord, sometimes bent on rocking the boat, sometimes ranged against all comers. This entertaining volume captures the spirit of a remarkable man who brought an added joy and sparkle to so many people's lives.

Genres: Music

96 pages, Paperback

First published September 27, 1978

Reviews

[Riley Pritchett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very amusing collection of anecdotes and quotes from the 20th century’s most mercurial self-taught conductor. He was born in 1879, and wasn’t particularly progressive on the matter of gender (boys only in his orchestras), but he did give Hitler the spiritual finger, and had an insouciant wit I’m glad is preserved in this slim volume. Got me laughing out loud multiple times. Purchased because Beecham is my favorite conductor.

[Seb Waters · Rating 2 out of 5]

kinda funny the shady reads on the greats, musicologists, the industry and critics etc. didn’t love the rapey jokes blatant misogyny and xenophobia tho👎👎👎 soooo icky