Thomas Beecham

Sir Thomas Beecham, Bart., C.H. (April 29, 1879–March 8, 1961) was a

Related Topics:
Bart. - C.H. - April 29 - 1879 - March 8 - 1961

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British conductor. He founded several British orchestras including the New Symphony Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Beecham is often taken to be the finest British conductor of the early to mid-twentieth century.

Related Topics:
Conductor - Orchestra - New Symphony Orchestra - London Philharmonic Orchestra - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

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Thomas Beecham was born in St. Helens, near Liverpool, England on April 29, 1879 and died in London on March 8, 1961 at the age of 81, of a second cerebral thrombosis. His father, Sir Joseph Beecham, was a wealthy patent pill manufacturer and civic leader. Thomas Beecham's grandfather was the inventor of "Beecham's Pills".

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Beecham was a great champion of several composers, including

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Delius, Ethel Smyth and Sibelius. He also often succeeded in presenting slight pieces, such as encores, in their best light, and this gave rise to the terminology "Beecham's lollipops".

Related Topics:
Delius - Ethel Smyth - Sibelius

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Beecham was known as a great wit, and there are many anecdotes involving him. It is said that in one rehearsal he was unsatisfied with the performance of a female solo cellist, and so said to her "Madam, you have between your legs an instrument capable of giving pleasure to thousands, and all you can do is scratch it!". Still more famous is the response Beecham is reported to have made when asked whether he had ever conducted any Stockhausen: 'No, but I believe I once trod in some!'.

Related Topics:
Cellist - Stockhausen

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