Wilhelm Furtwängler Essentials

The mirror image of his contemporary Arturo Toscanini—misty half-lights compared with the Italian's laser-like intensity—Furtwängler was one of the most revered of 20th-century conductors. His Beethoven, Brahms, Wagner and Bruckner seemed to plumb new depths of understanding and spiritual engagement. His decision not to leave Germany during the war made him a controversial figure, particularly in the U.S., but his musicianship was never in question. One of classical music's titans, and thankfully well represented by numerous recordings.