Josef Krips

Bio

Josef Krips (1902–1974) was an Austrian conductor and violinist renowned for his interpretations of the Viennese classics. Born in Vienna, he studied at the Vienna Academy of Music and began his career as a violinist before moving into conducting. He served as conductor at the Vienna Volksoper and later at the Vienna State Opera, where he became one of the leading figures in post-war Austrian musical life. After World War II, Krips played a central role in rebuilding Vienna’s musical institutions and was instrumental in re-establishing the Vienna Philharmonic’s international reputation. He conducted widely in Europe and the United States, holding posts with the Buffalo Philharmonic and the San Francisco Symphony. His recordings of Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert remain highly regarded for their clarity and warmth.