Daniel Barenboim, a renowned conductor and pianist, has an extensive orchestral and operatic repertoire. Born in Buenos Aires in 1942 into a family of Ukrainian Jewish descent, he began his musical journey at a young age and made his debut recital at seven. Throughout his career, he has worked with leading orchestras and musicians, including his notable partnership with cellist Jacqueline Du Pré. Barenboim has also been dedicated to fostering musical education and understanding, co-founding the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra and establishing the Barenboim-Said Academy in Berlin.

Barenboim's recorded legacy as a conductor, pianist, and chamber musician is vast, showcasing his expertise in a range of classical composers. His focus as a pianist includes Mozart, Beethoven, and early Romantics, while as a conductor, he gravitates towards later Romantic music, particularly Brahms and Bruckner. Known for his commitment to challenging and lengthy scores, Barenboim's discography spans a wide array of repertoire, with over 500 releases by 2022. Despite his prolific output, his health issues led to his decision to step down from his role at the Staatsoper Berlin in early 2023.