Carlos Kleiber (1930–2004) was one of the most enigmatic and admired conductors of the 20th century, celebrated for his extraordinary precision, intensity, and emotion in his performances. Born in Berlin to the legendary conductor Erich Kleiber, Carlos initially studied chemistry before fully committing to music, a decision that would lead to a career marked by rare but highly acclaimed appearances. His repertoire, though limited, showcased an unparalleled mastery over the works he chose to conduct, making each of his performances a landmark event.

Kleiber's discography, though not extensive, is considered definitive for many of the works he recorded. His interpretations of Beethoven's Symphonies, particularly the 4th, 6th, and 7th, are lauded for their clarity, dynamic contrasts, and structural coherence. Furthermore, his readings of opera, including Richard Strauss's "Der Rosenkavalier" and various arias from Beethoven, Mozart, Puccini, and others, are revered for their insight and emotional depth. Kleiber's approach was meticulous, demanding years of study before he would conduct a work, but the results were invariably transformative, offering new insights into well-trodden scores. Despite his relatively few public performances and recordings, Kleiber's influence and legacy in the classical music world are profound, with each release and re-release of his work eagerly anticipated by aficionados and newcomers alike.

Genres

Classical Performance

Orchestral Performance

Related Artists

Riccardo Muti

Herbert von Karajan

Claudio Abbado

Sir Simon Rattle

Daniel Barenboim

Bernard Haitink

Mariss Jansons

Leonard Bernstein

Seiji Ozawa

Otto Klemperer

Christian Thielemann

Bruno Walter

Latest Release

ORFEO 40th Anniversary Edition - Legendary Conductors

Wiener Symphoniker•

Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra•

Bavarian State Orchestra•

Wiener Philharmoniker•

Karl Böhm•

Carlos Kleiber•

Hans Knappertsbusch•

Otto Klemperer•

Ferenc Fricsay•

Herbert von Karajan•

Sergiu Celibidache•

Sir John Barbirolli

Album - 60 Tracks - Released June 19, 2020