Ferenc Fricsay

Ferenc Fricsay (1914 - 20 February1963) was a Hungarian conductor.

Related Topics:
1914 - 20 February - 1963 - Hungarian - Conductor

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Fricsay was born in Budapest in 1914 and studied music under Bela Bartók, Zoltan Kodály, Ernst von Dohnányi, and Leo Weiner.

Related Topics:
Budapest - Bela Bartók - Zoltan Kodály - Ernst von Dohnányi - Leo Weiner

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Fricsay had a meteoric rise to fame, making his first appearance as a conductor at age 15. He became music director of the then newly formed Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra in Germany in 1949. He spent much of his time from the 1950s onward in Germany as music director of the Bavarian State Opera (1956 - 1958) and in Berlin at the podiums of the RIAS Symphony Orchestra and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. It was during that time, from the 1950s until his death, that he recorded extensively for the Deutsche Grammophon label.

Related Topics:
Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra - Germany - 1949 - 1950s - Bavarian State Opera - 1956 - 1958 - Berlin - RIAS Symphony Orchestra - Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra - Deutsche Grammophon

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Fricsay gave his last concert on 7 December1961 in London where he conducted the London Philharmonic Orchestra in Beethoven's 7th Symphony. He suffered from repeated illnesses throughout his life and finally succumbed to illness on 20 February 1963 at the age of 48.

Related Topics:
7 December - 1961 - London - London Philharmonic Orchestra - Beethoven's 7th Symphony

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Fricsay was known for his interpretations of the music of Mozart and Beethoven, as well as that of his teacher Bartók. His 1958 recording of Beethoven's 9th Symphony is featured in the movie A Clockwork Orange.

Related Topics:
Mozart - Beethoven - Bartók - Beethoven's 9th Symphony - A Clockwork Orange

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Even today, decades after his death, Fricsay's recordings have a significant cult following among classical music fans.

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