Claudio Abbado (1933-2014)

With sadness we note the passing of one of the very great conductors of our day, Claudio Abbado.

We heard him and countryman Maurizio Pollini perform with the Chicago Symphony, Feb. 17, 1977:

• Bach, J.S.    Air on G string
• Bartok    PC No. 2 
• Prokofiev    Alexander Nevsky

Very memorable indeed.  His winning performances helped earn the spot of principal guest conductor, CSO, 1982-1986, a long time ago, yes, but seems only yesterday.

Meanwhile, the plaudits are coming in for him on our local WFMT from all over the world.  He battled stomach cancer for some years, and his handsome, robust frame was devastated by the horror.  (Still, ailing, he conducted, however, as recently as October 31, 2013, La Scala, Milan, where he was accorded a 15 minute standing ovation.)

The battle is over.  R.I.P. Maestro Abbado....