Carlos Kleiber was born on July 3rd, 1930 in Berlin, Germany and he ultimately became one of the greatest orchestral conductors of the 20th century.
As the Nazi’s emerged in Europe, the Kleiber family moved away to Argentina. Young Carlos was interested in music from an early age, despite opposition from his famous father, the conductor Erich Kleiber. The father would occasionally introduce his son by saying “Oh, this is my son, Carlos, he has no musical ability whatsoever…”
But Carlos persevered! He returned to Europe in 1952, and years later his leadership of orchestras was in very high demand. In my view, his performances of the music of Richard Strauss, Johann Strauss Jr, as well as Brahms, Beethoven, and Mozart became legendary.
Some orchestral musicians could not work under Carlos Kleiber, because they were unable to meet his expectations. He required great rhythmic precision, and rehearsals could break down when certain players protested in frustration.
Kleiber had an amazing way of speaking with the orchestra members. One can hear him say in rehearsals: “At this spot in the music, think about this gorgeous woman coming in; she stops and smiles at you, and you enjoy the aroma of her perfume… try please to express this feeling in the music, as though you are dancing with her…“
Here is Carlos Kleiber conducting the music of Johann Strauss in Vienna:
