Karl Böhm

Karl Böhm (August 28, 1894 - August 14, 1981) was a noted conductor. Born in Graz, Austria he began conducting in that music-filled city. Although never a member of the Nazi party, he was a committed supporter. Böhm was a close colleague of Richard Strauss and directed many of Strauss' works at their premiere. Later he would direct many of the world's best orchestras in Munich, Berlin, and Vienna. He was also noted for his interpretations of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's operas. He received many honors, among which 1964 first Austrian Generalmusikdirektor. He also conducted the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra before his death and he was also a well-known interpreter of Brahms and Johann Strauss II during his tenure with the orchestra.

His son, the actor Karlheinz Böhm is best known for his role as Mark, the psychopath in Peeping Tom, directed by Michael Powell.

Böhm died in Salzburg.

Recordings

• The Marriage of Figaro - 1968 - Deutsche Grammorphon 449 728-2