What is celibidache?

Sergiu Celibidache (1912-1996) was a renowned Romanian conductor known for his intense and meticulous approach to music-making. He was born in Romania and studied music at the Bucharest Conservatory before continuing his studies in Berlin and Paris.

Celibidache was known for his strong opinions on interpreting works of music, often engaging in lengthy rehearsals and taking a meditative approach to conducting. He was especially known for his interpretations of the music of Bruckner and Richard Strauss.

Celibidache conducted various orchestras throughout his career, including the Bucharest Opera, Berlin Philharmonic, and Munich Philharmonic. He was particularly associated with the Munich Philharmonic, where he served as Music Director for over 20 years.

Despite his widespread acclaim as a conductor, Celibidache was known for his aversion to making commercial recordings. He believed that the live performance of music was the most authentic expression of its meaning and therefore rarely allowed his performances to be recorded for public distribution.

Sergiu Celibidache's dedication to his craft and his unique approach to conducting have earned him a lasting legacy as one of the most distinctive and influential conductors of the 20th century.