Role

:

Conductor

Birth

:

October 11, 1883 in Vienna, Austria

Death

:

August 8, 1968 in Zürich, Switzerland

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Classical

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Opera

 

Fritz Stiedry was a prominent conductor and pianist in the early 20th century. He was born on July 6, 1883, in Vienna, Austria, to a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. Stiedry showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at a young age. He received his formal education at the Vienna Conservatory, where he studied piano with Theodor Leschetizky and composition with Robert Fuchs. After completing his studies, Stiedry began his career as a pianist, performing in concerts throughout Europe. He also worked as a répétiteur at the Vienna State Opera, where he gained valuable experience in conducting. In 1911, he made his debut as a conductor, leading a performance of Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro" at the Vienna Volksoper. Stiedry's reputation as a conductor grew quickly, and he was soon in demand throughout Europe. In 1913, he was appointed the principal conductor of the Berlin State Opera, where he remained until 1924. During his tenure in Berlin, Stiedry conducted a wide range of operas, including works by Wagner, Verdi, and Puccini. He also conducted the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1924, Stiedry moved to the United States, where he became the principal conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra. He remained in this position until 1930, during which time he conducted many memorable performances, including the American premiere of Alban Berg's "Wozzeck" and the world premiere of George Antheil's "Ballet mécanique." Stiedry's next major appointment was as the principal conductor of the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, a position he held from 1935 to 1940. During his time at the Met, Stiedry conducted many notable performances, including the American premiere of Richard Strauss's "Die Ägyptische Helena" and the world premiere of Virgil Thomson's "The Mother of Us All." In addition to his work as a conductor, Stiedry was also a respected pianist and composer. He performed as a soloist with many orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic and the New York Philharmonic. He also composed several works, including a piano concerto and a string quartet. Stiedry's career was interrupted by the outbreak of World War II. He returned to Europe in 1940 and settled in Switzerland, where he continued to conduct and perform. He also became involved in the resistance movement against the Nazi regime and helped many Jewish musicians escape to Switzerland. After the war, Stiedry returned to the United States and resumed his career as a conductor. He conducted the New York Philharmonic and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, among others. He also taught at the Juilliard School in New York City. Stiedry's career was cut short by his sudden death on August 8, 1968, in Zurich, Switzerland. He was 85 years old. Despite his relatively short career, Stiedry left a lasting legacy as a conductor, pianist, and composer. His recordings continue to be admired for their clarity, precision, and musicality. He was also known for his dedication to new music and his support of young musicians.

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