Conductor

Wilhelm Furtwängler

1886 — 1954

About

Concerts and Operas

Furtwängler conducts Mozart: Don Giovanni

Wiener Philharmoniker

Opera178 Min

Albums

Wilhelm Furtwängler: Deutsche Grammophon Recordings (Vol. 6)

Berliner Philharmoniker, Wilhelm Furtwängler

Wilhelm Furtwängler: Post-war Radio Recordings (Vol. 5)

Wilhelm Furtwängler

Wilhelm Furtwängler: Wartime Recordings (Vol. 4)

Wilhelm Furtwängler

Wilhelm Furtwängler: Early Polydor Recordings (Vol. 3)

Wilhelm Furtwängler

Schubert: Symphony No.9; Rosamunde, Overture to "Die Zauberharfe", D.644

Berliner Philharmoniker, Wilhelm Furtwängler

Schumann: Symphony No.4 / Haydn: Symphony No.88 (CD 8)

Berliner Philharmoniker, Wilhelm Furtwängler

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos.5 & 7

Berliner Philharmoniker, Wilhelm Furtwängler

Wilhelm Furtwängler: Beethoven 5 – his first ever recording (Vol. 2)

Wilhelm Furtwängler

About

Wilhelm Furtwängler

Gustav Heinrich Ernst Martin Wilhelm Furtwängler (25 January 1886 – 30 November 1954) was a German conductor and composer. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest symphonic and operatic conductors of the 20th century. He was a major influence for many later conductors, and his name is often mentioned when discussing their interpretative styles.

Wilhelm Furtwängler's Contributions to 20th Century Music: Impact and Interpretation

Wilhelm Furtwängler (1886–1954) is revered as one of the greatest symphonic and operatic conductors of the 20th century, known for his profound interpretive insight and his influential presence with major European orchestras, including the Berliner Philharmoniker. His discography is celebrated for both its breadth and depth, capturing iconic performances from early studio sessions to vital live radio broadcasts.

Fascinating Works from Wilhelm Furtwängler's Diverse Repertoire

Furtwängler’s discography spans a wide array of works, from early Polydor recordings to post-war radio broadcasts. Among his many notable recordings are his Deutsche Grammophon Recordings (Vol. 6), his post-war radio recordings (Vol. 5), and his early Polydor recordings (Vol. 3). His first recording of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony in 1937 is another standout contribution to his extensive repertoire.

Furtwängler Conducts Mozart: Don Giovanni

Furtwängler’s conducting of Mozart’s Don Giovanni is especially celebrated for its dynamic intensity and psychological depth, hallmarks of his approach to opera.

Schubert: Symphony No.9 by Wilhelm Furtwängler

Furtwängler's interpretation of Schubert's Symphony No.9 is another key highlight of his discography.

Performances with the Berliner Philharmoniker

Furtwängler had a significant relationship with the Berliner Philharmoniker, serving as its principal conductor from 1922–1945 and again from 1952–1954. He shaped the orchestra into an instrument that could fully realize his visionary interpretations.

Artistic Approach and Legacy

Furtwängler’s interpretative style was marked by an unconventional conducting technique, described as demanding close sensitivity and responsibility from his musicians. He saw himself as a "re-creator" of works, shaping orchestras—especially the Berliner Philharmoniker—into instruments that could fully realize his visionary interpretations. His style was characterized by wide tempo shifts, favoring both extreme slowness and urgency depending on dramatic needs. He had a profound, philosophical engagement with composers such as Beethoven, Brahms, Bruckner, and Schubert, and was willing to champion contemporary composers like Prokofiev, Stravinsky, and Hindemith, even when it risked controversy.

Historical and Cultural Context

Furtwängler’s career spanned tumultuous political eras, which influenced his work and legacy. Despite the challenges, he remained committed to his art and continued to make significant contributions to the world of symphonic and operatic conducting.