Tuxen, Erik (Oluf)

views updated

Tuxen, Erik (Oluf)

Tuxen, Erik (Oluf) Danish conductor; b. Mannheim (of Danish parents), July 4,1902; d. Copenhagen, Aug. 28, 1957. After training in architecture, medicine, and philosophy, he pursued studies in music in Copenhagen, Paris, Vienna, and Berlin. He conducted at the Lübeck Opera (1927-29), and then at the Royal Theater in Copenhagen. In 1936 he became conductor of the Danish Radio Sym. Orch. in Copenhagen. During World War II (1939-45), he lived in Sweden. Returning to Copenhagen in 1945, he was again conductor of the Danish Radio Sym. Orch. until his death. He conducted it at the Edinburgh Festival in 1950 in an acclaimed performance of Nielsen’s 5thSym. In 1950-51 he conducted in the U.S. and in 1954 in South America. Tuxen was a particularly persuasive interpreter of Nielsen.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire