After conducting an orchestra through a piece of music - 'Bass Trombone, you are out of tune.' [a voice comes from the orchestra saying] 'Sir, the bass trombonist hasn't arrived yet.' [To which Beecham replied] 'Oh... well when he arrives, tell him he's out of tune.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Beecham jokes about telling the missing trombonist he is out of tune upon arrival.
- In plain terms
- He humorously blames the absent musician.
- What can you take from it?
- Humor finds fault even when the person is absent.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you handle errors in a team?
Another view
Faults only exist when the musician is present.
More from Thomas Beecham
'I have just been all round the world and have formed a very poor opinion of it'.
Permalink to quote #20 On a grave stone is written: 'Here lies a fantastic organist and an excellent musician.' [Beecham then comments...] 'What, both in the same grave?'
Permalink to quote #22 'Brass bands are all very well in their place - outdoors and several miles away'.
Permalink to quote #19
Related quotes
Never look at the Trombones, you'll only encourage them.
Richard StraussRichard Strauss quote #1 I occasionally play works by contemporary composers and for two reasons. First to discourage the composer from writing any more and secondly to remind myself h…
Jascha HeifetzJascha Heifetz quote #1 A scout troop consists of twelve little kids dressed like schmucks following a big schmuck dressed like a kid.
Jack BennyJack Benny quote #1