Role

:

Conductor Performer

Country

:

Austria

Birth

:

February 4, 1912 in Vienna, Austria

Death

:

September 11, 1993 in Zürich, Switzerland

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Opera

 

Erich Leinsdorf was a renowned Austrian-American conductor who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. He was born on February 4, 1912, in Vienna, Austria, to a Jewish family. His father was a well-known music critic, and his mother was a pianist. Leinsdorf showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. He later studied composition and conducting at the Vienna Academy of Music. Leinsdorf's career began in 1934 when he became the assistant conductor of the Stadttheater in Prague. He then went on to conduct at various opera houses in Europe, including the Berlin State Opera and the Vienna State Opera. In 1938, Leinsdorf fled Austria due to the Nazi occupation and moved to the United States. In the US, Leinsdorf quickly established himself as a prominent conductor. He made his debut with the Cleveland Orchestra in 1943 and went on to conduct many other major orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He also served as the music director of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra from 1947 to 1955. One of Leinsdorf's most significant achievements was his tenure as the music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra from 1962 to 1969. During his time there, he led the orchestra in many memorable performances, including the US premiere of Benjamin Britten's War Requiem and the world premiere of Charles Ives's Symphony No. 4. He also recorded extensively with the orchestra, including a highly acclaimed cycle of Beethoven's symphonies. Leinsdorf was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to bring out the best in his musicians. He was also a champion of contemporary music and premiered many works by living composers, including Elliott Carter, Lukas Foss, and Gunther Schuller. In addition to his work as a conductor, Leinsdorf was also a respected music educator. He taught at the New England Conservatory of Music and the Tanglewood Music Center, where he mentored many young conductors who went on to have successful careers. Leinsdorf received many honors and awards throughout his career, including the Kennedy Center Honors in 1981 and the National Medal of Arts in 1990. He was also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Philosophical Society. Leinsdorf continued to conduct well into his 80s, and his last performance was with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1993. He passed away on September 11, 1993, in Zurich, Switzerland, at the age of 81. In conclusion, Erich Leinsdorf was a highly respected conductor and music educator who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. His meticulous attention to detail and his championing of contemporary music set him apart from his peers, and his legacy continues to inspire young musicians and conductors today.

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