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Carlos Kleiber

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Carlos Kleiber (1930 to 2004) was a German-born Austrian conductor who is widely regarded as one of the greatest conductors of all time. He was born in Berlin, the son of the famous conductor Erich Kleiber and the American Ruth Goodrich. In 1935 the family emigrated to Buenos Aires and Karl became Carlos. His father did not want him to become a musician. Carlos first studied chemistry in Zürich, but chose music after all. In 1954 he conducted for the first time, the operetta Gasparone in Potsdam. He was then Kapellmeister in Düsseldorf and Duisburg, in Zürich and, until 1973, in Stuttgart, his last permanent post. Later he often conducted at the Bavarian State Opera in Munich.

Music and breakthrough

He was known as a perfectionist who demanded long rehearsals. What he finally let the audience hear combined precision with passionate spontaneity. Kleiber disliked recording and therefore left little behind, including Der Freischütz in 1985, La traviata in 1985, Tristan und Isolde and above all symphonies by Beethoven and Brahms. His New Year's Concert of 1992 can also be heard on record. He was most at home in the Romantic repertoire.

Influence

The small number of recordings made Kleiber a legend among musicians and music lovers. He shows that a performance is about preparation, feeling and the freedom of the moment.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to his recording of Der Freischütz. Notice the energy and precision of the orchestra, and hear how the conductor lets the tension build without the piece becoming heavy.

Discography

Studio albums

Categories: Artists