He reformed the orchestra in the late - 1940s , firing a dozen musicians in the process with a dozen more leaving of their own volition .
Szell 's long reign as Music Director has been largely credited for the orchestra 's rise to eminence .
Szell reformed the orchestra in the late - 1940s , firing a dozen musicians in the process with a dozen more leaving of their own volition .
Szell 's long reign as Music Director has been largely credited for the orchestra 's rise to eminence .