The Devil's Music Master

Wilhelm Furtwaengler was one of the most dominant figures in European music between the wars. But his decision to live and work in Nazi Germany has clouded his achievements. Aiming to balance the account, this biography examines his musical legacy and his influence on many of today's conductors.

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Wilhelm Furtwaengler was one of the most the dominant figures in Central European music between the wars, enjoying spells as conductor of the Berlin and Vienna Philharmonics and the Berlin Opera House. However, his decision to live and work in Nazi Germany has clouded his achievement, and he was branded a collaborator, despite the fact that he helped hundreds of people to flee the regime. This new biography aims to balance the account, and in the light of the renewed popularity of Furtwaengler's recordings, examines his musical legacy and his influence on many of today's leading conductors.