Daniel Barenboim
Wolf Prize Laureate in Music 2004
Daniel Barenboim
Award citation:
“a person of profound musical and humanitarian commitment, who has distinguished himself as one of the great musicians of our time.”
Prize share:
Daniel Barenboim
Mstislav Rostropovich
Whether conducting an opera or performing the 32 Beethoven piano sonatas, Daniel Barenboim brings a protean ability to all his endeavors. His deep belief that music humanizes sound is manifested in his ongoing efforts to bring peace to all peoples. Through prodigious talent and energy, Barenboim leads an artistic life remarkable in its breadth and wholeness. He has built a brilliant and unique career as an orchestral and operatic conductor, while at the same time pursuing his calling as an exceptional pianist and accompanist to distinguished singers.
Barenboim first found fame on the world’s concert stages as a greatly gifted pianist. He has gained a well-deserved reputation as an outstanding interpreter of Beethoven and Mozart, and has provided many sensitive and imaginative renditions and recordings of their piano works, as well as those of diverse composers spanning three centuries.
Barenboim’s career as a conductor was firmly established with debuts in London, which eventually led to performances on podiums around the world. He has complemented his orchestral leadership with distinguished appearances at the world’s major opera houses.
His combined career as pianist and conductor has enabled Barenboim to enrich the entire music profession and the world at large. His dedication to human rights causes and to world peace has helped to bring together individuals of all races and creeds. He is committed to the notion that people can more thoughtfully listen to each other through the artistry of music.
