Date of Birth: June 7, 1897
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Date of Death: July 30, 1970
Biography
George Szell was one of the most influential conductors and composers of the 20th century. Born in Budapest, Hungary, he demonstrated prodigious musical talent from a young age. Szell’s early career saw him working with some of the most prestigious orchestras in Europe. He eventually became the music director of the Cleveland Orchestra, a position he held for over two decades, during which he transformed the ensemble into one of the finest in the world. Known for his exacting standards and precise interpretations, Szell’s legacy is carried on through numerous recordings and the continued excellence of the Cleveland Orchestra. While primarily celebrated as a conductor, Szell also composed several works, although his conducting career overshadowed his contributions as a composer.
5 Interesting Facts about George Szell
1. George Szell was a child prodigy who made his debut as a pianist and composer at the age of 11.
2. Szell studied under Richard Robert, who also taught notable pianists like Rudolf Serkin.
3. Szell became the music director of the Cleveland Orchestra in 1946 and held the position until his death in 1970.
4. He was known for his meticulous rehearsals, often spending an extraordinary amount of time perfecting even the smallest details.
5. Szell made numerous acclaimed recordings, particularly of the works of Beethoven, Brahms, and Mahler.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Szell
1. “Conducting is like holding a small bird in your hand. If you hold it too tightly, you’ll kill it. If you hold it too loosely, it will fly away.”
2. “The conductor’s job is to make the orchestra sound better than it is.”
3. “A great conductor does not merely beat time. He indicates the exact quality of the note at the precise instant it is to be played.”
4. “The greatest respect an artist can pay to music is to give it life.”
5. “Music is the shorthand of emotion.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, George Szell’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million, a significant amount for a classical musician of his era.
Children
George Szell did not have any children. He was married to Helene Schultz-Ade, a former violinist, who supported him throughout his career.
Relevant Links
1. [George Szell Biography on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Szell
3. [George Szell Discography on Discogs](https://www.discogs.com/artist/1665761-George-Szell
