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Leo BorchardGerman conductor of Russian origin
Date of Birth: 31.03.1899
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Career in Germany
- Musical Expertise
- Resistance Activities
- Post-War Success and Tragic Death
- Legacy
Early Life and Education
Kurt Sanderling was born in Moscow into a German family. Despite his Russian heritage, Sanderling received his musical education in Saint Petersburg.
Career in Germany
In 1920, Sanderling moved to Germany and pursued further studies with Eduard Erdmann and Hermann Scherchen. He served as an assistant to Otto Klemperer at the Kroll Opera. In 1930, he replaced Scherchen as the conductor of the East Prussian Radio Orchestra.
Musical Expertise
Sanderling became renowned as a specialist in Russian repertoire, as well as the works of Bach and Beethoven. He made his debut with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra in 1933.
Resistance Activities
During World War II, Sanderling joined the Resistance movement. Alongside journalist Ruth Andreas-Friedrich, with whom he was in a civil union, he led the underground group "Uncle Emil."
Post-War Success and Tragic Death
After the liberation of Germany, Sanderling conducted the first concert of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra on May 26, 1945, performing Tchaikovsky's Fourth Symphony. He was appointed music director of the orchestra by the Berlin magistrate a week later.
However, tragedy struck on July 19, 1945. Sanderling's car was mistakenly shot at by American troops after passing a prohibited sign. He was killed in the incident.
Legacy
Sanderling's recordings, made in 1934-35 and 1945, have been preserved. An album featuring works by Weber, Tchaikovsky, and Glazunov was released recently. In 1990, a music school in Berlin was named in his honor.
