Otto Klemperer

The German-born composer Otto Klemperer is widely regarded as one of the leading conductors of the 20th century. He moved to America in 1933 when the Nazi party came to power in Germany. As a Jewish intellectual engaged in the arts he knew that Nazi Germany would become a very dangerous place and so he took up an appointment as Music Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

The high esteem in which he is now held was not always the case - Klemperer struggled at times to get the recognition and respect he felt he deserved. This situation came about because his taste for modern music didn't always find favour with the notoriously conservative classical music establishment and he found himself passed over for career opportunities. Another factor which adversely affected his career development was his cyclothymic bipolar disorder which led to bouts of manic depression. He was reportedly difficult to work with at times and this led to some orchestras boycotting his services.

In 1952 the USA refused to renew his passport due to Klemperer's well publicised left wing politics. Klemperer returned to Europe and his fortunes were turned around when in 1954 he became the composer in residence for EMI's Philharmonia Orchestra. This was the golden era of his recording career and he recorded some of his best known works during his tenure with the orchestra.

Despite his history of mental illness and a series of unfortunate accidents Klemperer led a surprisingly long life; he died in 1973 at the age of 88.