Erich Kleiber, born on August 5, 1890, in Vienna, Austria, was a conductor known for his interpretations of classical music. After studying at the Prague Conservatory, he began his career as a répétiteur and gradually moved into conducting roles in various opera houses. His breakthrough came with his appointment as musical director of the Berlin State Opera in 1923, where his scrupulous musicianship and innovative programming earned him high acclaim. During this period, Kleiber premiered Alban Berg’s Wozzeck. In 1934, he resigned from the Berlin State Opera in protest against Nazi policies and relocated to Buenos Aires. He continued his career as a freelance conductor, guest conducting internationally in opera houses and concert halls, conducting notable works such as Beethoven's "Symphony No. 5" and playing a significant role in the creation of The Royal Opera in London. He faced political obstacles when plans for his return to the Berlin State Opera in the 1950s were thwarted. He died suddenly on January 27, 1956, in Zürich at the age of 65. Notable posthumous releases include Erich Kleiber Conducts 1947-48 NBC Concerts (2006) and The Nbc Recordings: 1946 / 1948 (2006).
