See Also: Szell, George(encyclopedia)
Lloyd George of Dwyfor, David Lloyd George, Earl(encyclopedia)
Fox, George(dictionary)
George I(encyclopedia)
George II(encyclopedia)
Fox, George(medicine)
George III(encyclopedia)
George IV(encyclopedia)
George V(encyclopedia)
George VI(encyclopedia)

Szell, George (sh)




born June 7, 1897, Budapest, Hung., Austria-Hungary
died July 30, 1970, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.

Hungarian-born U.S. conductor.

He made his debut as a pianist at age 11, and before his 20th birthday he had appeared with the Berlin Philharmonic as pianist, conductor, and composer. He established himself as an opera conductor in various German cities, including Berlin (1924-30) and Prague (1930-36). When World War II broke out, he settled in the U.S., conducting at the Metropolitan Opera (1942-46) and then serving as musical director of the Cleveland Orchestra (1946-70). There he imposed stern discipline but won his players' devotion by his own fierce dedication. Under his direction the orchestra became known for its precision in playing and was considered one of the world's finest.