OTTO KLEMPERER: VOLUME 1, 1885-1933: HIS LIFE AND TIMES (HEYWORTH, PETER//OTTO KLEMPERER, HIS LIFE AND TIMES)

Otto Klemperer: Volume 1, 1885-1933: His Life and Times (Heyworth, Peter//Otto Klemperer, His Life and Times)

by Peter Heyworth

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Otto Klemperer was one of the great conductors of the century, best known in the last years of his life for his performances and recordings of the classical symphonic repertory from Mozart to Mahler. Volume 1 of Peter Heyworth's biography follows the conductor's career from early days in Prague through the innovative period of the Weimar Republic and his appointment as director of the Kroll Opera in Berlin to his abrupt departure from Germany in 1933. This book has become established as a classic account of one of the crucial figures in the musical life of the early twentieth century. With the publication of the long-awaited sequel covering the subsequent years from 1933-1973, this widely acclaimed first volume is now made available in a newly designed format as a companion to volume 2.

Amazon.com Review
In this, the second and final volume of his landmark biography of conductor Otto Klemperer, author Peter Heyworth takes his subject from his exile from Germany in 1933 to his death at the age of 88 in 1973. The book covers Klemperer's difficult years in America and his return to Europe, his problems with Roman Catholicism and his return to Judaism, his encounter with Stalinism, his struggles with manic depression, and his efforts to be recognized as a composer ("Do you like my compositions, Mr. Barenboim?" he asked the then-rising young pianist; "No, Dr. Klemperer," was the reply); all is handled forthrightly and with a high level of scholarship. Heyworth died just before completing the book, which was seamlessly finished by his friend and colleague John Lucas. This is an invaluable portrait of an important musical figure, and the complete discography in the back will be particularly useful to anyone seeking to understand Klemperer and his contributions.