Solti was borne in Budapest, Hungary, in 1912. There, he was instructed by several Hungarian composers, including: Béla Bartók, Ernö Dohnányi, and Zoltán Kodály. It was not long before he began his international career. It included posts as music director of Covent Garden, London (1961-1971), and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (1969-1991). For four years, beginning in 1979, he was principal conductor of the London Philharmonic Orhcestra, and in 1983, he became conductor emeritus. Solti's conducting style is considered particularly marvelous for works of German composers such as Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss. Further, he is noted for his recordings. Among them are the complete symphonies of Ludwig van Beethoven. Solti remains alive to this day.