Bernard Haitink, one of the finest and most respected conductors of the 20th century, has died. He passed away peacefully on 21 October at the age of 92, surrounded by his family.

Bernard Haitink. Photo © Warner Classics

The Dutch maestro was known for his richly glowing accounts of much of the standard repertoire with his interpretations of Beethoven, Brahms, Bruckner, Mahler and Strauss especially admired. His cycles of symphonies by Shostakovich, and perhaps more surprisingly Vaughan Williams, are also highly rated. In recognition of his remarkable discography, which stretches to more than 450 recordings, he was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Gramophone Magazine in 2015.

He was also famous for his longevity in a series of prestigious posts, including 27 years as Chief Conductor of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, 15 years as Music Director of the Royal Opera House, 12 years as Principal Conductor of the London Philharmonic, and 10 years as Music Director at Glyndebourne. He also held posts in Chicago, Boston and Dresden and was a regular and welcome visitor in Vienna.

Haitink was born in Amsterdam on...