Sir Georg Solti conducts German Romanticism

Sir Georg Solti (1912–1997), originally named György Stern, was a Hungarian-born conductor of Jewish heritage and one of the leading and most prolific conductors of the 20th century. Born in Budapest, Hungary, Solti displayed early musical talent and pursued studies at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music. However, the rise of the Nazis compelled him to emigrate to Switzerland, where he continued his musical education. In the aftermath of World War II, he adopted the professional name Georg Solti.

Solti’s illustrious career reached new heights when he assumed the role of music director at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, in 1961. During his tenure, he gained international acclaim for his interpretations of Wagner, Richard Strauss, and Verdi operas. Solti’s collaboration with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, where he served as music director from 1969 to 1991, was particularly notable. Under his leadership, the orchestra earned numerous Grammy Awards, and Solti himself received 31 Grammy Awards, surpassing all other conductors in history.

Renowned for his dynamic and precise conducting style, Solti was highly regarded for his interpretations of the German Romantic repertoire, including works by Wagner, Mahler, and Strauss. His dedication to detail and commitment to the score made his performances celebrated for their clarity and intensity. Solti’s extensive discography includes landmark recordings of major orchestral and operatic works, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of classical music.

[Photo of Solti by Allan Warren, 1975.]

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Sir Georg Solti & Chicago Symphony Orchestra, “Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, WAB 101 - "Linz Version" 1866: 3. Scherzo. Lebhaft”

from Bruckner: Symphony No. 1

Decca Music Group Ltd. - 1996

London Symphony Orchestra & Sir Georg Solti, “Symphony No. 2 in C Minor - "Resurrection": III. Scherzo: In Ruhig Fliessender Bewegung”

from Mahler: Symphony No. 2 - "Resurrection"

Decca Music Group Ltd. - 1966

Sir Georg Solti & Vienna Philharmonic, “Salome, Op. 54: Salome's Dance of the Seven Veils”

from Richard Strauss: Salome

Decca Music Group Ltd. - 1962

London Symphony Orchestra & Sir Georg Solti, “Symphony No. 2 in C Minor - "Resurrection": I. Allegro Maestoso. Mit Durchaus Ernstem Und Feierlichem Ausdruck”

from Mahler: Symphony No. 2 - "Resurrection"

Decca Music Group Ltd. - 1966

Sir Georg Solti & Chicago Symphony Orchestra, “Act III: Scene 2”

from Wagner: Die Meistersinger von Nurnburg

Decca - 1997

Heather Harper, Lucia Popp, Yvonne Minton, Helen Watts, René Kollo, John Shirley-Quirk, Martti Talvela, Wiener Sängerknaben, Wiener Singverein, Chorus of the Vienna State Opera, Chicago Symphony Orchestra & Sir Georg Solti, “Symphony No. 8 in E-Flat Major "Symphony of a Thousand", Pt. 2 Final Scene from Goethe's "Faust": "Alles Vergängliche"”

from Mahler: Symphony No. 8

Decca Music Group Ltd. - 2011

London Symphony Orchestra & Sir Georg Solti, “Symphony No. 2 in C Minor - "Resurrection": V. Im Tempo des Scherzo”

from Mahler: Symphony No. 2 - "Resurrection"

Decca - 1966