Musical Insults

“Wagner’s music is better than it sounds.”
—Mark Twain

“I liked your opera. I think I’ll set it to music.”
—what Ludwig van Beethoven allegedly said to a fellow composer.

“Assassins!”
—Conductor Arturo Toscanini reproaching his orchestra after they botched a musical score.

“I don’t like country music—but don’t mean to denigrate those who do. For those who like country music, denigrate means ‘to put down’” 
—American comedian Bob Newhart.

Question: How many sopranos does it take to change a light bulb? Answer: One. She stands on a ladder and the whole world revolves around her.

“He has Van Gogh’s ear for music.”
—Orson Welles in a critique of ’70s pop star Donny Osmond.