When asked whether he minded if someone smoked in a non-smoking compartment. Certainly not if you don't object if I'm sick.

There are no woman composers, never have been and possibly never will be.

Without question the most unpopular medium of musical sound in the world.

I find brass bands have a melancholy sound. All right out of doors, of course - fifty miles away. Like bagpipes, they turn what had been a dream into a public nuisance.

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

Composers and musicians have always starved and, as this is a sentimental country, we think the tradition should be continued.

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