He has held a number of pretigious positions such as Music Director at La Scala in Milan, and at Vienna State Opera[?]. He was principal conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra from 1979 to 1987, and in 1989 he was succeeded Herbert von Karajan as principal conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic. After Abbado's retirement from that post, he was replaced by Simon Rattle in 2002.
Abbado has peformed and recorded a wide range of Romantic works, and is also noted for his interpretations of modern works by the likes of Arnold Schoenberg, Karlheinz Stockhausen and Luigi Nono[?].
Abbado is also well known for his work with youth and has set up a number of organizations to foster young talent.
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