Wilhelm Furtwängler remains a central figure in 20th-century music, balancing a rigorous career as a conductor with a persistent ambition to be recognized as a composer. Born in Schöneberg in 1886, he ascended to lead major European ensembles, most notably holding the position of principal conductor for the Berlin Philharmonic across two distinct periods of the mid-century era.
Early Development and Conducting Debut
Raised largely in Munich where his father taught at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Furtwängler pursued an early education focused on musical composition. He initially entered the field of conducting to facilitate the performance of his own works, though the lukewarm reception of his early compositions led him to shift his professional focus. His conducting debut occurred with the Kaim Orchestra, featuring Anton Bruckner's Ninth Symphony. Following this, he held posts in various German cities including Strasbourg, Lübeck, Mannheim, and Frankfurt.
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Furtwängler succeeded Richard Strauss as conductor of the Staatskapelle Berlin in 1920. Two years later, he assumed the leadership of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra following the sudden death of Arthur Nikisch, simultaneously taking over the Berlin Philharmonic. His international career expanded with appearances in London and, beginning in 1925, multiple guest conducting engagements with the New York Philharmonic. His tenure with the Berlin Philharmonic was interrupted by the political upheavals of the 1930s and 1940s, though he returned to the position from 1952 until his death in 1954.
Political Challenges and Artistic Stance
During the rise of the Nazi regime, Furtwängler maintained a position of public friction with the new authorities. In 1933, he engaged in a heated confrontation with Adolf Hitler regarding state antisemitic policies in music, providing a list of significant Jewish artists whose work he considered essential to German culture. He formally denounced these policies in a letter to Joseph Goebbels, arguing that artistic quality should be the primary standard. Despite his opposition, he remained in Germany, leading to ongoing historical debate regarding the impact of his continued presence during the era.
Composition and Final Years
Though conducting provided his primary public recognition, Furtwängler continued to write music. During his flight to Switzerland in 1945, he completed his Symphony No. 2 in E minor, which the Berlin Philharmonic premiered under his direction in 1948. He spent his final years performing and recording across Europe. He died in 1954 in Ebersteinburg, near Baden-Baden, and was interred at the Bergfriedhof in Heidelberg.
Fast facts
- Born: 1886, Schöneberg
- Died: 1954, Baden-Baden
- Primary Orchestras: Berlin Philharmonic, Leipzig Gewandhaus
- Key Composition: Symphony No. 2 in E minor
- Awards: Pour le Mérite, Knight Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Memberships: Bavarian Academy of Fine Arts
- Burial Site: Bergfriedhof, Heidelberg
Questions readers ask
Did Furtwängler support the Nazi regime?
He was critical of the Nazi party, openly opposed their antisemitic policies, and clashed with leadership, though he remained in Germany throughout the period.
What was his most significant work as a composer?
His Symphony No. 2 in E minor, completed while he was in Switzerland in 1945, is considered his most significant contribution to the repertoire.
Achievements
- Knight Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany — 1952
- Knight of the Legion of Honour
- Goethe Medal for Art and Science — 1932
- Commemorative Medal of the Society for the Promotion of Charitable Activities in Gold — 1935
- Instruments: piano
- Genres: symphony
