Fritz Busch (1890-1951) was born in Siegen, Westphalia, Germany, studied first locally and later in Cologne with Fritz Steinbach. After appointments in Riga (1909), Aachen (1921), Stuttgart (1918-22) as General Music Director, he was appointed to Dresden State Opera, where for a decade he raised the musical standards to a high level. Busch, who was vehemently opposed to the ethos of Hitler and the Nazi Party, resigned in 1933. He then worked in Buenos Aires (1934-36 and 1941-45) and the Metropolitan Opera in New York (1945-49). It was his achievements at Glyndebourne from 1934 to 1939 and 1950-51, however, which have kept his name alive. His testament as an outstanding Mozartian is exemplified in his recordings of the three Da Ponte operas, allied to memorable performances of both Verdi and Wagner. He was also much admired as a symphonic conductor. He was the brother of the violinist Adolf Busch.
