Wilhelm furtwangler biography of william

Wilhelm Furtwängler (January 25, 1886 - November 30, 1954) was a German conductor and composer especially noted for his work with the Berlin Opera and the Berlin Philharmonic.

A conductor of great stature, his unorthodox style emphasized the subjective interpretation of symphonic literature, rather than a literal reading of it, especially as pertains to presentation of structure, phrasing, and tempo.

However, Furtwängler's reputation was marred by his emphasis on German composers during the Hitler era. He became a cultural icon in his native Germany and was greatly admired by the Nazi Party leadership.

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Although he did not personally endorse Nazi ideology, no other musician was linked so prominently with Nazi Germany.

Although most of his recorded legacy was accomplished prior to the era of high fidelity and stereo, Furtwängler recordings remain an important testament in the history of conducting in the twentieth century.

Biography