Who said he had seen in his life many statues of musicians but never one of a critic?...

April 25, 2014 at 11:17 AM · I understand that the critic that Sir Thomas commended was a horse that "performed" on stage.

An answer to the specific question is Jean Sibelius, the quote being, "Pay no attention to what critics say. No statue has ever been put up to a critic."; but other musicians/artists/writers also may have made similar comments.

April 25, 2014 at 03:44 PM · Someone (maybe it was Heifetz; I don't recall) took an old joke and added a line.

It may have been Heifetz, who when asked, "Do you practice every day," responded:

"Of course I practice every day. If I don't practice for one day, I can hear the difference. If I don't practice for two days, the orchestra can hear the difference. If I don't practice for three days, the audience can hear the difference, and if I don't practice for four days, the critics can hear the difference."

And Sir Thomas Beecham was once asked what he thought about a local university that was thinking of starting a Music Critic's Chair in the Music Department. He suggested that it would be fine if it was an electric chair.

Cheers,

Sandy

April 25, 2014 at 04:57 PM · Was the critic portrayed by the rider or the horse? ;-D

May 1, 2014 at 08:39 PM · Maybe just the posterior portion of the horse.