Kurt Masur
- Born:
- July 18, 1927, Brieg, Lower Silesia, Germany (now Brzeg, Poland)
- Died:
- December 19, 2015, Greenwich, Connecticut, USA
- Nationality:
- German
- Profession(s):
- Conductor
Early Life and Education
- Received piano, composition, and conducting lessons in Breslau.
- Studied piano, conducting, and composition at the University of Music and Theatre Leipzig.
- Briefly served in the German army during World War II.
Career and Major Achievements
- Conductor of the Dresden Philharmonic (1955-1958).
- General Music Director of the Komische Oper Berlin (1960-1964).
- Kapellmeister of the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig (1970-1996). His tenure is considered a golden age for the orchestra.
- Principal Conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra (2000-2007).
- Music Director of the New York Philharmonic (1991-2002).
- Led peaceful protests in Leipzig in 1989, contributing to the fall of the Berlin Wall.
- Throughout his career, Masur conducted many of the world's leading orchestras.
Notable Works
Discography (Selection)
| Composer | Work | Orchestra | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beethoven | Symphonies Nos. 1-9 | Gewandhausorchester Leipzig | Philips |
| Brahms | Symphonies Nos. 1-4 | Gewandhausorchester Leipzig | Teldec |
| Mendelssohn | Symphonies Nos. 3 & 4 | London Philharmonic Orchestra | LPO Live |
Legacy and Impact
Kurt Masur was a highly respected conductor, known for his interpretations of German Romantic composers. His dedication to musical excellence and his commitment to social justice cemented his place as a significant figure in classical music. In the years following his death, a 'trauerfeier kurt masur biography' is often consulted to revisit key elements of his distinguished life and work.