Pierre Monteux quotes

I regret they don't have symphony orchestras all over the world so I could see Burma and Samarkand. (Pierre Monteux)

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!"

Pierre Monteux

Madame, everyone is Someone.

Pierre Monteux

Don't overconduct; don't make unnecessary movements or gestures.

Pierre Monteux

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

Pierre Monteux

E does not know 'is métier.

Pierre Monteux

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.

Pierre Monteux

Young conductors talk too much.

Pierre Monteux

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

Pierre Monteux

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.

Pierre Monteux

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. (Pierre Monteux)

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.

Pierre Monteux

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

Pierre Monteux

Damned professional.

Pierre Monteux

Debussy was behind me when we played L'après-midi d'un faune because he did not want anything in his score to be changed on account of the dancing. And when we came to a forte, he said 'Monteux, that is a forte, play forte'. He did not want anything shimmering. And he wanted everything exactly in time.

Pierre Monteux

I decided then and there that the symphonies of Beethoven and Brahms were the only music for me, not the music of this crazy Russian. ... My one desire was to flee that room and find a quiet corner in which to rest my aching head. Then Diaghilev turned to me and with a smile said, "This is a masterpiece, Monteux, which will completely revolutionize music and make you famous, because you are going to conduct it."

Pierre Monteux

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

Pierre Monteux

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

Pierre Monteux

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

Pierre Monteux

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."

Pierre Monteux