AN OVERVIEW OF SIR GEORG SOLTI’S LIFE PATH EMPHASIZING HIS VIEWS ON EARLY 20th CENTURY MUSIC - A CONDUCTOR’S PERSPECTIVE ON CLASSICAL MODERNISTS -

Abstract

Our thought on early 20th century music is mainly influenced by judgements uttered by contemporary composers. They unwittingly guide our stylistic and aesthetic taste, leaving us with two options: we either agree or disagree with their opinions regarding the milestones of this period. We find it interesting to follow the preferences of interpreters. They seem to present distinct value judgements concerning this much discussed era of modernism. In this essay we will try to present a general overview of this period based on the memoirs of a great conductor, Sir Georg Solti. Although Solti was essentially a representative of the “classical” eras of music history, he also had an important and relevant opinion concerning modern achievements. He participated in a continuous dialogue with notable contemplators of modern music, such as T. W. Adorno, and he repeatedly expressed the importance of presenting contemporary works.