Karl Muck
German-born Swiss conductor of classical music
Died when: 80 years 133 days (964 months)Star Sign: Scorpio
Karl Muck (October 22, 1859 – March 3, 1940) was a German-born conductor of Classical music. He based his activities principally in Europe and mostly in opera.
His American career comprised two stints at the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO). Muck endured a trial by media in 1917, after The Providence Journal editor John R.
Rathom falsely accused him of knowingly refusing a request to have the BSO play the Star Spangled Banner following American entry into World War I.
Although Muck was a citizen of neutral Switzerland, he was arrested based on Rathom's accusation and interned as an enemy alien at Fort Ogelthorpe, a camp in Georgia from March 1918 until August 1919.
Karl Muck and his wife were then deported from the United States. His later career included notable engagements in Hamburg and at the Bayreuth Festival.
