Wolff’s conducting career began in 1904, when he was appointed as a répétiteur at the Opéra-Comique in Paris. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the music director in 1914. During his time at the Opéra-Comique, he conducted many premieres, including Debussy’s “Pelléas et Mélisande” and Ravel’s “L’heure espagnole.”
In 1922, Wolff was appointed as the music director of the Paris Opera, and he conducted many of the most important operas of the 20th century, including Wagner’s “Tristan und Isolde,” Verdi’s “Aida,” and Strauss’s “Salome.” He also conducted several world premieres, including Milhaud’s “La création du monde.”
Wolff was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to draw out the nuances of each orchestral and vocal line. He was particularly skilled at conducting French music, which he approached with a sensitivity and elegance that few other conductors could match.
Despite his many accomplishments, Wolff’s life was not without its challenges. He was Jewish, and during World War II, he was forced to flee France and go into hiding in Switzerland. After the war, he returned to Paris and resumed his conducting career, but he never forgot the horrors of the war years.
Throughout his long and illustrious career, Wolff remained committed to the music he loved. He was revered by his colleagues and audiences alike, and his legacy lives on in the many recordings he made, which are still prized by music lovers today.
In conclusion, Albert Wolff was one of the most important conductors of the 20th century, known for his skillful interpretations of both French and German operas. He conducted many of the most important premieres of his time, and his meticulous attention to detail and sensitivity to each orchestral and vocal line set him apart from his peers. Despite facing many challenges throughout his life, he remained devoted to his art, and his influence can still be felt in the world of classical music today.