p. 1 ... Nobody loves the musical critic; and when I come to think of it I can't see any reason why people should. He is, in the popular estimation, one of those objectionable fellows who profess to be able to tell you how to do everything without being able to do it himself. ... Pachmann, Kreisler, Cortot, Casals, Wood – he can put them all in their places.

p. 40 ... His first Tristan, his first Eroica, his first Pachmann, draws the burning words from him without the least effort on his part. ... A few years later he becomes the musical equivalent of these melancholy men the professional 'tasters' of teas and wines... . They have long ago lost all stomach for the beverage; their one concern now is not to let their palate be corrupted any more than it is already.