Medici Arts: 2072468

One of the legendary liaisons of the 20th century between conductor and orchestra is that of Sir Georg Solti and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Solti himself described it as a "love affair".

Solti, one of the greatest conductors of the 20th century, was a testament to the elegance and impeccable taste of Central European music making. His remarkable partnership with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra began in 1954; he was named Music Director in 1969 and held this post for a phenomenal 22 years.

Beethoven's beautiful First Symphony is sometimes labelled a 'fitting farewell to the 18th-century'.

Schubert composed his 'Unfinished' Symphony No.8 at the tender age of 25. After it was discovered and performed 37 years after his death, it quickly became one of the most universally beloved works in the symphonic repertoire.

BONUS: Sir Georg Solti gives a very personal introduction to Schubert's Symphonies "There is no limit to the orchestra's technical ability; the only limit is the conductor's imagination, and the musicians love to be stretched to the limit, to improve the performance…My philosophy became 'Let them play'." Sir Georg Solti