Peter Maag
A highly competent conductor whose repertory was extensive, Peter Maag made his reputation in Europe, but was a presence in American theaters as well. Although most of his life was devoted to opera, he made several recordings that honestly represented his eloquence in the symphonic literature and suggested that he might have made an even more appreciable impact there had he spent more time in concert work. After musical training in Zürich and Basel, Maag studied with Ernest Ansermet in Geneva and soon became an assistant to the elder conductor. He served first as coach and chorus master in Biel-Solothum beginning in 1943, two years later working his way to full conductor. He served as principal conductor at Düsseldorf from 1952 to 1954 before becoming music director at Bonn from 1954 to 1959. Maag's Covent Garden debut came in 1959 when he conducted Die Zauberflöte. From 1964 to 1968, Maag held the post of principal conductor at the Volksoper in Vienna. Meanwhile, Maag had made his American debut at the Lyric Opera of Chicago conducting a November 1, 1961, performance of Così fan tutte. For his Fiordiligi, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf was ill, likely contributing to the caution evident in the performance. Maag was even less fortunate with Don Giovanni when Schwarzkopf succumbed and Lisa della Casa had to be flown in to sing Donna Elvira. Still, the first performance was well regarded and subsequent performances were better still when Schwarzkopf returned as Elvira. Despite a wayward horn section, Maag did well with the Lyric's Fidelio, firing an intense performance with Birgit Nilsson and Jon Vickers. Making his Metropolitan Opera debut with Don Giovanni in September 1972, Maag conducted there for three seasons. Other assignments included Norma, Die Zauberflöte, and La Traviata. Critics found him supportive of his singers, but deficient in eliciting orchestral sheen in the Verdi. From 1982 to 1991, Maag served as music director of the Berne Municipal Opera. Among Maag's most notable recordings are those devoted to the symphonies of Beethoven (the complete cycle), Mendelssohn, Mozart, Schubert, and the piano and orchestra works of Schumann. For Decca, he led a Luisa Miller with Milnes, Caballé, and Pavarotti. Several other operas are available in recordings captured from stage performances.
© TiVo
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Cherubini: Les Abencerages
Coro Sinfonica RAI Di Milano, Orchestra Sinfonica RAI Di Milano, Peter Maag, Mino Bordignon
Opera - Released by Arts Productions Ltd on 7 Nov 2006
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Schumann: Complete works for Piano and Orchestra
Orchestra Della Svizzera Italiana, Benedetto Lupo, Peter Maag
Classical - Released by Arts Productions Ltd on 7 Nov 2006
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Ravel: L'Heure Espagnole / Valses Nobles Et Sentimentales
Orchestra Sinfonica RAI Di Torino, Peter Maag
Classical - Released by Arts Productions Ltd on 4 Jul 2006
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Mozart: Symphonies Nos.28, 29, 34 & 32; Serenata Notturna
Ernest Ansermet, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, London Symphony Orchestra, Peter Maag
Classical - Released by Decca Music Group Ltd. on 1 Jan 2006
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Mendelssohn in Scotland: Symphony No. 3 'Scotch' / Fingal's Cave
Peter Maag, London Symphony Orchestra
Classical - Released by Music Manager on 4 Feb 2020
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Mozart: Symphonie No. 40 und 41
Philharmonia Hungarica, Peter Maag
Classical - Released by Adora on 15 Jan 2021
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 3 in A Minor, Op. 56
Bern Symphony Orchestra, Peter Maag
Classical - Released by Maestoso on 1 Jan 1987
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4
Bern Symphony Orchestra, Peter Maag
Classical - Released by Maestoso on 1 Jan 1987
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Mendelssohn: "A Midsummer Night's Dream" Overture
Peter Maag, London Symphony Orchestra
Classical - Released by Sunday Club Records on 17 Jan 2014
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Rossini: "William Tell" & "The Thieving Magpie" Overtures
Peter Maag, Paris Conservatoire Orchestra
Classical - Released by Sunday Club Records on 17 Jan 2014
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo