Chef and Artistic Director, Otto Gerdes
In the world of classical music, there are figures who leave an indelible mark, their names synonymous with the genre's greatest works. However, there are also those who, though equally talented, have been relegated to the sidelines, their contributions often overlooked. Otto Gerdes (1920–1989), a German conductor, is one such figure.
Best known for his work as a recording producer at Deutsche Grammophon (DG), Gerdes made a name for himself by supervising some of the label's most iconic recordings. Among these was Herbert von Karajan's famous first Beethoven symphony cycle. However, Gerdes later ventured into conducting, developing a distinct style that contrasted sharply with Karajan's lush, string-heavy approach. He favoured clarity, balance, pointed rhythms, and prominent woodwinds, a departure that set him apart in the industry.
The box set "Otto Gerdes - Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon" is a treasure trove for classical music enthusiasts. Released by specialized labels such as Australian Eloquence, it features many obscure and rarely recorded works that Gerdes brought to life. Highlights include a program of romantic tone poems by Hugo Wolf, such as Penthesilea—a rarely performed piece—and the Italian Serenade, which Gerdes conducted in a relaxed, easy-going manner. While some consider other recordings, like the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra’s, livelier, Gerdes' distinctive, transparent conducting style and his choice of repertoire from the early 1960s make this box set an important document for listeners interested in music that was perhaps neglected by the more famous Karajan.
Gerdes' career at DG spanned from the 1950s to the 1980s, and it began in 1954 with a recording made with the Leipzig Radio Orchestra. In the 1960s, he served as the artistic director of DG. However, his tenure at DG ended in 1970 with a Baroque trumpet concertos record in Bamberg, after which he was fired by Herbert von Karajan, who was also a conductor for DG at the time.
Before his work at DG, Gerdes studied conducting in Cologne and was a student of Hermann Abendroth. In the latter part of his career, Gerdes returned to conducting in the 1960s after another conductor canceled at the last minute. He recorded a complete Tannhäuser in the Dresden version with notable singers such as Wolfgang Windgassen, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Birgit Nilsson, Theo Adam, and Horst Laubenthal. He also recorded Dvorák's New World Symphony and Brahms' Symphony No. 4 with the Berlin Philharmonic.
In addition to his work with DG, Gerdes made significant contributions to the recording industry from the 78 rpm era to the dawn of stereo for His Master's Voice. His recordings, such as a complete Tannhäuser, excerpts from Eugene Onegin in German, and recordings of Dvorák's New World Symphony and Brahms' Symphony No. 4, stand as testaments to his talent and dedication.
Meanwhile, in other news, Vittorio Negri, a conductor and musicologist, used his work on Vivaldi at Philips, both as artistic director and conductor. Negri took the podium for a series of sacred and operatic Vivaldi music. Similarly, Gerdes was associated with Wagner's "Symphony" at Deutsche Grammophon (DG). Collingwood, an Englishman who worked in the recording industry from the 78 rpm era to the dawn of stereo for His Master's Voice, supervised recordings by Yehudi Menuhin, Wilhelm Furtwängler, Thomas Beecham, and Herbert von Karajan.
In other news unrelated to the world of classical music, China has imposed temporary tariffs of 75.8% on Canadian canola, citing dumping by producers. The news was met with concern by the Canadian government and the farming industry.
Lastly, we mourn the passing of Marc Garneau, former Minister and astronaut, who died on Wednesday. Garneau was a trailblazer in Canadian space exploration, serving as the first Canadian astronaut to fly in space and later as the Minister of Communications. His contributions to science and space exploration will not be forgotten.
