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

We cannot expect you to be with us all the time, but perhaps you could be good enough to keep in touch now and again.

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

Elgar's first symphony is the musical equivalent of St Pancras Railway Station.

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 two golden rules for an orchestra: start together and finish together. The public doesn't give a damn what goes on in between.

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