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About this quote

What does it mean?
The author suggests Beethoven's late quartets are only suitable for deaf listeners.
In plain terms
Only deaf people should listen to Beethoven's last quartets.
What can you take from it?
Accept limitations in classical music enjoyment.

Where it applies

  • evaluating music
  • discussing composers

Putting it to work

  • selecting accessible music

Questions to consider

  • Who is music for?
  • Can disability change music appreciation?

Another view

It dismisses the value of the music for hearing listeners.

More from Thomas Beecham

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  2. When asked why only male composers appeared in his repertoire, he said 'There are no women composers, never have been, and possibly never will be' (however he …

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  3. 'Try everything once except folk dancing and incest'. (This is also attributed to Sir Arnold Bax, George S. Kaufman, Oscar Wilde and Winston Churchill.)

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