Role

:

Conductor  

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Band

 

 

Orchestral

 

Richard Baker was born on June 15, 1925, in Willesden, London, England. He was the son of a railway clerk and a housewife. Baker showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. He later learned to play the organ and the cello. Baker attended the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied piano, organ, and composition. He graduated in 1943 and began his career as a freelance musician. He played with various orchestras and ensembles, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the English Chamber Orchestra. In 1950, Baker joined the BBC as a music producer. He worked on a variety of programs, including the popular radio show "Desert Island Discs." He also produced recordings of classical music for the BBC's record label, BBC Records. Baker's work at the BBC brought him into contact with many of the world's leading classical musicians. He became friends with conductor Sir Adrian Boult, who invited him to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra in 1958. This was Baker's first experience conducting an orchestra, and it led to a new career as a conductor. Baker went on to conduct many of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. He also conducted opera productions at the Royal Opera House in London and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. One of Baker's most memorable performances was his 1963 recording of Benjamin Britten's "War Requiem" with the London Symphony Orchestra. The recording was a critical and commercial success and helped establish Baker as one of the world's leading conductors. Baker was also a prolific recording artist. He recorded over 100 albums, including works by Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, and Mozart. He was particularly known for his recordings of British music, including works by Elgar, Vaughan Williams, and Britten. In addition to his work as a conductor and recording artist, Baker was also a respected music educator. He taught at the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. He also wrote several books on music, including "The Symphony" and "The Art of Conducting." Baker received many honors and awards throughout his career. He was knighted in 1979 for his services to music. He also received the Order of Merit from Queen Elizabeth II in 2010, one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a British citizen. Baker continued to conduct and record music well into his 80s. He died on October 11, 2018, at the age of 93. His legacy as one of the world's greatest conductors and music educators lives on through his recordings, writings, and the many musicians he inspired and mentored throughout his career.

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