CONDUCTOR WILLEM MENGELBERG, 1871-1951

Willem Mengelberg is undeniably the greatest conductor in Dutch music history. In his biography, Frits Zwart carefully examines a musical life lived. Mengelberg was not only one of the world''s greatest, he had an excellent reputation as a trainer of
orchestral ensembles, responsible for the international reputation of his own Concertgebouw as well as many others including the New York Philharmonic.


A champion of numerous composers, including Mahler and Strauss, Mengelberg was the
founder of the renowned tradition of annual performances of Bach''s St. Matthew Passion. As Chief Conductor of Amsterdam''s (now Royal) Concertgebouw Orchestra, Mengelberg developed it into one of the world''s most illustrious, simultaneously forging
a music life of international eminence for its city of residence. His recordings bear witness to a singular musical interpreter.


In 1920, Mengelberg was even more popular than his own Queen, yet a mere thirty years later he died in ex
ile, banned to his remote Swiss chalet. Willem Mengelberg fell from grace, becoming a despised, disputed target of gossip, jealousy and rebuke. His dubious role during World War II has since overshadowed his extraordinary career. Zwart contests that
few have ever surpassed Mengelberg''s international musical legend.