Role

:

Conductor  

Country

:

Austria

Birth

:

July 22, 1895 in Graz, Austria

Death

:

December 29, 1962 in Lugano, Switzerland

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

Hans Rosbaud was a renowned conductor and pianist who was born on July 22, 1895, in Graz, Austria. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. Rosbaud showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at a young age. He studied music at the Graz Conservatory and later at the Vienna Academy of Music. Rosbaud began his career as a pianist, but he soon turned to conducting. He made his conducting debut in 1921 with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra. He went on to conduct many orchestras throughout Europe, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Philharmonic, and the London Philharmonic. One of Rosbaud's most significant achievements was his work with the Southwest German Radio Symphony Orchestra (SWR). He was appointed the chief conductor of the SWR in 1948 and held the position until his death in 1962. Under his leadership, the SWR became one of the most respected orchestras in Europe. Rosbaud was known for his innovative programming and his commitment to contemporary music. He was a champion of the music of Arnold Schoenberg, Anton Webern, and other modern composers. He also conducted the premieres of many new works, including Igor Stravinsky's "Agon" and Olivier Messiaen's "Turangalîla-Symphonie." Rosbaud was also a respected teacher and mentor. He taught conducting at the Basel Conservatory and the Salzburg Mozarteum. Many of his students went on to become successful conductors, including Michael Gielen and Ernest Bour. Rosbaud received many awards and honors throughout his career. In 1955, he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. He was also awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic and the Order of the Legion of Honor in France. One of Rosbaud's most memorable performances was his 1955 recording of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony with the SWR. The recording is considered one of the greatest interpretations of the work and is still highly regarded today. Rosbaud died on December 29, 1962, in Lugano, Switzerland, at the age of 67. He left behind a legacy as one of the most innovative and influential conductors of the 20th century. His commitment to contemporary music and his dedication to teaching have inspired generations of musicians.

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