Pierre Monteux

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

— 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." And, of course, I did.

— Pierre Monteux

Damned professional

— Pierre Monteux

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

— 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

Young conductors talk too much.

— Pierre Monteux

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

— 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

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

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

— 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

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

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

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

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

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

Madame, everyone is Someone.

— 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