Top 15 Pierre Monteux Quotes

On finishing early at a rehearsal the London Symphony Orchestra leader Hugh Maguire said to Monteux: "Oh Maitre it is so nice to finish early. My wife will be so surprised." Monteux replied: "Be careful. You might be surprised!"

Madame, everyone is Someone.

Told, during the days of segregation in the US, that he couldn't be served as he was trying to take breakfast at a restaurant "for colored folk", he insisted: "But we are colored, my dear. We are pink."

In earlier days I used to like introducing new music in concerts but now I feel that I have done my duty to young composers… so I return to my first love Romantic music – and especially to Brahms who has always been my favourite.

I always dreamed in my youth of a great, consuming love. I was often disappointed and returned each time to my music for consolation. It never failed me.

I never conduct any of the ballets I conducted for the Ballets Russes, without my mind's eye being completely aware of the dancers.

How I regret not having told César Franck of my profound admiration for him and his music. After playing he Sonata for violin for the first time, I nearly wept over certain phrases. The beauty of it overwhelmed me.

I have always felt rather badly for orchestra musicians, especially the stringed instrument player who certainly in his youth expected to be a virtuoso… I admire their patience and ability, and through the years have made the effort to show them my respect and – love in many instances.

Don’t be disrespectful to your players (no swearing)

Don’t come before the orchestra is you have not mastered the score; don’t practise or learn the score ‘on the orchestra’

Don’t conduct solo instruments in solo passages; don’t worry or annoy sections or players by looking intently at them in ‘ticklish’ passages

Don’t overconduct; don’t make unnecessary movements or gestures

Young conductors talk too much.

Now that was very impressive. But before you try to impress the ladies in the balcony, make sure the horns come in.

Stravinsky, 'e can do what 'e like, but I have to do what ze composer 'as written.