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Kindertransport Survivor's Critic Voice Lives On
29 Aug
Summary
- Escaped Nazi Germany via Kindertransport in 1939.
- Became a revered music critic for The Boston Globe.
- A new book preserves his insightful musical analyses.
Michael Steinberg's journey began as a 10-year-old boy on a Kindertransport from Breslau to England in 1939, escaping Nazi Germany. This event, captured in a photograph that later featured in the documentary 'Into the Arms of Strangers,' marked the start of his new life.
After being placed with an English family, he eventually emigrated to the United States. He developed a deep passion for music, which led him to become the music critic for The Boston Globe. For 12 years, Steinberg penned reviews characterized by wit, clarity, and a personal touch.
His work is now preserved in the book 'DEFENDING THE MUSIC: Michael Steinberg at The Boston Globe, 1964-1976.' This collection showcases his advocacy for music, defending it from careless performances and championing both classic and contemporary works.
Steinberg's criticism transcended its time and place, offering profound insights into musical pieces and performers. His assessments, though sometimes sharp, were always well-reasoned and delivered with eloquence, making his prose a gold standard for musical description.
