The German-born composer Otto Klemperer is widely regarded as one of the leading
conductors of the 20th century. He moved to America in 1933 when the Nazi party
came to power in Germany. As a Jewish intellectual engaged in the arts he knew
that Nazi Germany would become a very dangerous place and so he took up an
appointment as Music Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
The high esteem in which he is now held was not always the case - Klemperer
struggled at times to get the recognition and respect he felt he deserved. This
situation came about because his taste for modern...