Willi Boskovsky facts for kids
Willibald Karl Boskovsky (born June 16, 1909 – died April 21, 1991) was an Austrian violin player and conductor. He is most famous for leading the Vienna New Year's Concert for many years, from 1955 to 1979.
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Who Was Willi Boskovsky?
Early Life and Musical Journey
Willibald Boskovsky was born in Vienna, Austria. He started his musical journey very early, joining the Vienna Academy of Music when he was just nine years old. This was the beginning of his long and successful career in classical music.
Leading the Vienna Philharmonic
From 1939 to 1971, Boskovsky was the concertmaster of the famous Vienna Philharmonic orchestra. A concertmaster is the lead violinist in an orchestra and often helps the conductor. He also became the main conductor of the Wiener Johann Strauss Orchester, an orchestra dedicated to playing the music of the Strauss family, until he passed away. This orchestra has roots going back to the 1800s!
The New Year's Concert Conductor
Boskovsky is perhaps best known for conducting the Vienna New Year's Concert. He led this special concert every year from 1955 to 1979. The concert mostly features the lively music of Johann Strauss II and other composers from his time. It's a very popular event around the world!
Playing in Small Groups
Besides leading big orchestras, Boskovsky also played in smaller musical groups called chamber ensembles. He led the Boskovsky Quartet, which included two violins, a viola, and a cello. This quartet, along with a double-bass, clarinet, horn, and bassoon, formed another group called the Vienna Octet.
His Work with Mozart and Other Composers
Boskovsky was also a talented performer of Mozart's music. He recorded all of Mozart's sonatas for violin and piano with pianist Lili Kraus. He also recorded Mozart's complete trios for violin, piano, and cello. He even played a special violin solo in a piece by Richard Strauss, recorded with conductor Clemens Krauss.
A Change in His Career
After his last New Year's Concert in 1979, Boskovsky had a stroke. This made it difficult for him to continue conducting. Because his recovery was slow, he decided to stop conducting the New Year's Concerts. The orchestra then asked Lorin Maazel to take over this important tradition. Boskovsky passed away in Visp, Switzerland, when he was 81 years old.
Boskovsky's Unique Musical Style
Directing with His Violin
Willibald Boskovsky had a special way of conducting, especially when it came to the music of Johann Strauss. He would direct the orchestra with his violin, just like Johann Strauss himself used to do. This style is called "Stehgeiger," which means "standing violinist." It was a popular way to lead waltzes and other dance music in the 19th century.
Recording Strauss and Mozart
Boskovsky really understood the fun and lively style of the Strauss family's music. Besides their famous waltzes, he also recorded many of Mozart's dances and marches. He led a group called the Vienna Mozart Ensemble for these recordings.
A Digital Recording Pioneer
His New Year's Day concert in 1979 was very special. It was one of the first times a concert was recorded live using a new digital recording system. This new technology made the sound incredibly clear and exciting. Music critics praised the recording, calling it "astoundingly vivid and atmospheric."
Recordings by Boskovsky's Ensembles
The Boskovsky Quartet and Vienna Octet made many recordings for Decca Records. Here are some of their notable works:
- Dvořák, Quartet no 3 E flat major op 51
- Schubert, Octet in F major op 166
- Schubert, 'Trout' Quintet, with Walter Panhoffer
- Schubert, 'Trout' Quintet, with Clifford Curzon
- Beethoven, Septet in E flat major op 20
- Brahms, Clarinet Quintet op 115
- Spohr, Nonet op 31
- Spohr, Octet op 32
- Mendelssohn, Octet in E flat major op 20
- Kreutzer, Grand Septet in E flat major op 62
- Poot, Octet
- Mozart, Clarinet Quintet in A major K 581
- Mozart, Quintet in E flat major K 452
- Mozart, Trio in E flat major K 498, with Walter Panhoffer
- Mozart, Divertimento in F major K 247
- Mozart, Divertimento in B flat major K 287
- Mozart, Divertimento in D major K 334 (with Otto Nitsch, horn)
Boskovsky also played the solo violin part in the Clemens Krauss recording of Richard Strauss's Ein Heldenleben.
See also
In Spanish: Willi Boskovsky para niños
