Sir Georg Solti: 100th Anniversary

Sir Georg Solti was born October 21, 1912. On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his birth he should be remembered as one of the greatest conductors of his generation. He was dynamic and exacting in the Toscanini tradition but mellowed in his later years. He made many fine recordings including the first-ever complete Ring cycle. He did not create the Chicago Symphony Orchestra but he presided over its golden years. In this video from 1978 he conducts the CSO in Rossini's La Gazza Ladra Overture. This is a slight work, you might say, for a great conductor. But seldom will you hear such a precise and exciting performance. As always when Sir Georg was on the podium the CSO players are galvanized to give of their considerable best. Notice particularly the contribution of trombonist Jay Friedman.

If you want to see and hear more Rossini from Solti and the CSO, and lots of other terrific performances besides, look for the 4-DVD boxed set called Sir Georg Solti: the Maestro issued by Decca (074 3203).

Paul E. Robinson