Role

:

Conductor Performer

Country

:

France

Birth

:

April 4, 1875 in Paris, France

Death

:

July 1, 1964 in Hancock, ME

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

Pierre Monteux was a French conductor who was born on April 4, 1875, in Paris, France. He was the son of a violinist and began his musical education at a young age. He studied at the Paris Conservatory and later became a violist in the orchestra of the Concerts Colonne. Monteux's conducting career began in 1911 when he was asked to conduct the premiere of Stravinsky's ballet, "The Rite of Spring." The performance was met with controversy and even caused a riot in the audience, but Monteux remained calm and continued to conduct the piece. This event helped to establish Monteux as a conductor who was not afraid to take risks and push boundaries. In 1913, Monteux was appointed as the conductor of the Ballets Russes, a position he held until 1924. During his time with the Ballets Russes, Monteux conducted the premieres of several important works, including Stravinsky's "Petrushka" and "The Firebird," as well as Ravel's "Daphnis et Chloé." Monteux's career continued to flourish throughout the 1920s and 1930s. He conducted the Boston Symphony Orchestra from 1919 to 1924 and again from 1929 to 1934. He also conducted the Amsterdam Concertgebouw Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra during this time. In 1935, Monteux was appointed as the conductor of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, a position he held until 1952. During his time with the San Francisco Symphony, Monteux helped to establish the orchestra as one of the leading orchestras in the United States. He also conducted the premiere of several important works, including Stravinsky's "Symphony in Three Movements" and "Symphony in C." Monteux's career continued to thrive in the 1950s and 1960s. He conducted the London Symphony Orchestra from 1961 to 1964 and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra from 1964 to 1968. He also conducted the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra during this time. Throughout his career, Monteux was known for his ability to bring out the best in his orchestras. He was a demanding conductor who expected a high level of precision and musicianship from his musicians. He was also known for his ability to interpret the music of his time, particularly the works of Stravinsky and Ravel. Monteux received many honors and awards throughout his career. In 1957, he was awarded the Legion of Honor by the French government. He was also awarded the Order of Merit by the British government in 1964. In 1966, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Monteux died on July 1, 1964, in Hancock, Maine, at the age of 89. He left behind a legacy as one of the greatest conductors of the 20th century. His recordings continue to be celebrated for their precision and musicality, and his influence can be heard in the work of many conductors who came after him.

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