Long-time conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra, Arthur Fiedler developed the Pops into one of the best-known orchestras in the United States. He was criticized by some for watering down music, but the famed conductor deliberately kept his performances light and informal. A trained violinist, Fiedler joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra.  He was appointed the 18th conductor of the Boston Pops in 1930 and completed nearly 50 in the position. He died in 1979. The Boston Pops, under his direction, reportedly made more recordings than any other orchestra in the world. The first recording was in 1935.