I'm an amateur conductor...been at it for many years now...and if I ever have a question on how something should be done, I refer to Karajan for advice. Thank goodness for these wonderful postings on youtube.
karajan had deficiencies too: he did nothing to keep Wagner singing alive, his Parsifal sounds like Debussy. he was a secret agent of Habsburg. there is no counting and no articulation. the rest is good though.
Sometimes, when I am asleep I dream there is such a thing as "The Herbert von Karajan Show" and we can look in on it every Monday evening and enjoy great moments in music, musicology, music festivals like Tanglewood, Maraboro, Aspen, or orchestras, interviews and stories from performers, composers, writers, producers, etc. Then I awake and find I live in a world where not network or cable channel would pick up the option for such a program. Too bad--for our young people as well as ourselves.
he was a great conductor but capable of some willful, eccentric and even prosaic performances. I admire his early Beethoven recordings but the digital ones of the 80s suck. I love many of his opera recordings made in the 50s and 60s (Rosenkavalier, Falstaff, Die Walkürie) and the 1970 Butterfly & La Boheme) but his fondness for casting light lyric sopranos in spinto roles and micromanagement of the engineering ruined many of his later recordings.
Herbert von Karajan was, like Toscanini, an autocrat but only because they both loved music wih all their heart and soul. One supported Hitler, the other detested him but who, except a small-minded minority, cares. The main thing is that, despite everything to the contrary, we have the amazing legacy of Karajan's brilliant musicianship. This man has been closer to God than any of us could ever hope to be, but at least we can share the experience.
@MartinPadderborn - I guess it is essentially true you need to be autocratic in order to be a superlative conductor such as the great von Karajan and Toscanini. I agree that they both must have loved music with all their heart and soul. It shows in their work.
What many of von Karajan's YouTube critics don't know is that he was a master of many of the instrruments he conducted in the orchestra. Of course, we know that it is one of the first premises of any conductor to be cognizant of the instruments and their potentials, but von Karajan was way ahead here. By mastering them and well, he knew what his players were capable of doing, and how they fit into the grand scheme for the composers and him, the conductor.
Karajan was one of the gteatest condctors of all time; we shall probably never see his like again. He's right up there with and in many ways surpasses Nikisch, Mahler, Toscanini, Furtwangler and a few others (Klemperer? Weingartner? Reiner? Walter? Stokowski? Koussevitzky? Monteux? ) Each of these had his own unique style, of course.
I have to say I often do the same; his readings are almost always aesthetically pleasing and certainly the sound he was able to coax from both the Berlin and Vienna orchestras is unmatched in its tonal perfection, especially when it comes to French and Austrian music. In some places -- Bruckner and Richard Strauss, for instance -- his work is unequivocal.
@sstuddert depending on the repertoire you can often find better recordings than karajan's. But he was definitely a great conductor. Bernstein recorded better Mahler and Beethoven for example, but Karajan's live Mahler 9th in Berlin is outstanding, as are many of his opera recordings of the 1950s and 60s. His Wagner Die Walkuere is the finest i've ever heard on records.
@SFOtter Okay Bernsteins Mahler was not as good as Karajans, it just wasn't full enough. In my opinion anyway, though I favor Karajan that didn't help my decision in liking his Mahler better. I've tried both, Karajan's suits me better.
@MrBeethoven333 definitely a matter of opinion as to Karajan's Mahler. He only conducted the 5th, 6h and 9th for starters and most critics cared little for his studio recordings of all 3. Look, he was an outstanding conductor, but NO one conductor excels at everything. His decca producer john culshaw while admiring his work, stated that he thought Karajan's recordings went downhill largely because he was surrounded by sycophants who did nothing for his critical development.
@SFOtter Well I understand what you mean for sure. Personally, which is again opinion, His Mahler 5 & 6 are better than others. But Bernstein absolutely does the rest better. karajan;s Tchaikovsky is on point, not slow and gloopey like others i would say, especially the 5th. By the way, do you happen to know what part of the Magnificant that is posted? i'm trying to find the itunes recording.
I'm tired of youtube critics. They troll and disagree, you're the first to NOT be an asshole, thanks
@MrBeethoven333 We can always agree we have passion for great music and THAT is what's most important. Karajan was truly on fire when he conducted Strauss, Sibelius and Bruckner. If you haven't yet heard them, check out his EMI recordings of the Bruckner 7th, the Sibelius 1,4,5 & 6 and his Strauss Heldenleben and Don Quixote. Virtuosity at its greatest. His DGG Bruckner 8th is also magnificent.
I remember watching the documentary about karajan and the Salzburg festival and the general manager of the met opera was saying how he recalled Karajan stating he was born on mt Olympus. I laughed, but then thinking about that his presence, the aura and just that look does resemble the form of a greek god, i've watched this over and over again and never fail to be touched deeply every time. Thank you once again
Hmmm, good point, and nice observation! Karajan's ego was obviously quite vast, but, I think it has to be said in the same breath, it was no more vast than his virtuosic talent, knowledge and love of music. That dimension of Karajan is literally as awe-inspiring.
Thank you so much. Even when I was 5 and watched some of his performances on TV with my uncle, he was my favourite. He always said how a conductor has to become a part of his music, and I loved the way Karjan showed how we should feel with that music. Thanks alot, brings back wonderful memories!
I'm an amateur conductor...been at it for many years now...and if I ever have a question on how something should be done, I refer to Karajan for advice. Thank goodness for these wonderful postings on youtube.
jhglobal1 1 month ago
For me, he was simply another instrument of the orchestra!
charnockvideo 2 months ago
Beethovens 9th is so amazing
sahand144 4 months ago
El momento es breve. Lo memorable es eterno. HERBERT: ¡memorable!!! Desde Neuquén, argentina.
rhcubitto 6 months ago
Wunderbar!!!
luckykevinful 8 months ago
the meastro knew exactly what he wanted and exactly what he was doing and knew the potential of those who played under him.
tatters1232006 9 months ago
'Momemts', shoudn't that be 'Moment's'?'
newdor 10 months ago
What would happen if Karajan was still alive today, How would he use Green Screen for his masterpieces**
**(i dont want to use the word video, Because these are more than just videos)
southwestguy223 1 year ago
It was zorch!! Where's he from? Zamunda Zorchalate??
Zamunda Zorchalate
Zorchalate 1 year ago
karajan had deficiencies too: he did nothing to keep Wagner singing alive, his Parsifal sounds like Debussy. he was a secret agent of Habsburg. there is no counting and no articulation. the rest is good though.
etiterum 1 year ago
Sometimes, when I am asleep I dream there is such a thing as "The Herbert von Karajan Show" and we can look in on it every Monday evening and enjoy great moments in music, musicology, music festivals like Tanglewood, Maraboro, Aspen, or orchestras, interviews and stories from performers, composers, writers, producers, etc. Then I awake and find I live in a world where not network or cable channel would pick up the option for such a program. Too bad--for our young people as well as ourselves.
cieobt2 1 year ago
herbert von karajan war einer der besten dirigenten, die diese welter hervorgebracht hat. eine perfektion die ihresgleichen sucht.
RIP herbert.
grüße aus salzburg
zaunos 1 year ago
why not symphony n.7??
erophiloDR 1 year ago
@erophiloDR I KNOW!! BEETHOVEN 7 IS THE BEST!!! HOW COULD THAT NOT BE HERE!!! :'(
unitednerdsbeproud 1 year ago
he was a great conductor but capable of some willful, eccentric and even prosaic performances. I admire his early Beethoven recordings but the digital ones of the 80s suck. I love many of his opera recordings made in the 50s and 60s (Rosenkavalier, Falstaff, Die Walkürie) and the 1970 Butterfly & La Boheme) but his fondness for casting light lyric sopranos in spinto roles and micromanagement of the engineering ruined many of his later recordings.
SFOtter 1 year ago
Uma lenda! O melhor. Saudades!
MsSatyro 1 year ago
Karajan es un titán!!!
Edgardo2Ba 2 years ago
Viva maestro!
boris1281 2 years ago 3
¡¡¡Che grande Karajan!!!! como te extrañamos amado maestro...
Leonidaspart 2 years ago 4
Herbert von Karajan was, like Toscanini, an autocrat but only because they both loved music wih all their heart and soul. One supported Hitler, the other detested him but who, except a small-minded minority, cares. The main thing is that, despite everything to the contrary, we have the amazing legacy of Karajan's brilliant musicianship. This man has been closer to God than any of us could ever hope to be, but at least we can share the experience.
MartinPadderborn 2 years ago
@MartinPadderborn - I guess it is essentially true you need to be autocratic in order to be a superlative conductor such as the great von Karajan and Toscanini. I agree that they both must have loved music with all their heart and soul. It shows in their work.
CraigFrancisSoto 1 year ago
bravo majstore
JoLinA55555 2 years ago
7:55 .................. wow
mistralmaster 2 years ago
8:13 great!
ChalieChaplin 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Bernstein was an alcoholic clown.
ivanhorvath 2 years ago
What many of von Karajan's YouTube critics don't know is that he was a master of many of the instrruments he conducted in the orchestra. Of course, we know that it is one of the first premises of any conductor to be cognizant of the instruments and their potentials, but von Karajan was way ahead here. By mastering them and well, he knew what his players were capable of doing, and how they fit into the grand scheme for the composers and him, the conductor.
bernard1422 2 years ago 11
Götlich!!!
kunstundleben07 2 years ago 4
dont tell about the others conductor...HE IS THE BEST
pieczona92 2 years ago 4
Beautiful!
longtalltexan63 2 years ago
please be aware that expression like "he is the greatest" is nothing but a marketing phrase which is never applied to deceased persons.
etiterum 2 years ago 2
its the odd numbered symphonies which come out on top.
CowHoofOnAHotPlate 2 years ago
i would have been very interested to know what rachmaninov would have been like as a conductor.
dxhaloxc 2 years ago
hey !, what about Leonard Bernstein ? he also was a great performer, and do not forget Aaron Copland !
eolveras1964 2 years ago
@eolveras1964 Indeed yes! In fact, Karajan referred to Bernstein as "mr. music". They were most definitely rivals in the "star" conductor biz.
SFOtter 1 year ago
meraviglia
silverino60 2 years ago
is das beste ......................
tobi16051979 3 years ago
Karajan was one of the gteatest condctors of all time; we shall probably never see his like again. He's right up there with and in many ways surpasses Nikisch, Mahler, Toscanini, Furtwangler and a few others (Klemperer? Weingartner? Reiner? Walter? Stokowski? Koussevitzky? Monteux? ) Each of these had his own unique style, of course.
billyguns2 3 years ago
no, he wasn't, he is
rodstartube 2 years ago
HE WAS THE GREATEST EVER!
tatters1232006 3 years ago
When I'm looking to buy a cd, I always look for the Karajan interpretation first.
You can't go wrong with Karajan.
sstuddert 3 years ago 28
You're absolutely right; ignore the drivel that some misguided people talked about him and admire him for the genius that he was.
rabengeraun 3 years ago 3
I have to say I often do the same; his readings are almost always aesthetically pleasing and certainly the sound he was able to coax from both the Berlin and Vienna orchestras is unmatched in its tonal perfection, especially when it comes to French and Austrian music. In some places -- Bruckner and Richard Strauss, for instance -- his work is unequivocal.
darkprose 2 years ago
@sstuddert depending on the repertoire you can often find better recordings than karajan's. But he was definitely a great conductor. Bernstein recorded better Mahler and Beethoven for example, but Karajan's live Mahler 9th in Berlin is outstanding, as are many of his opera recordings of the 1950s and 60s. His Wagner Die Walkuere is the finest i've ever heard on records.
SFOtter 1 year ago
@SFOtter I agree with you on all but one point - Karajan's Beethoven is unmatched.
sstuddert 1 year ago
@SFOtter Okay Bernsteins Mahler was not as good as Karajans, it just wasn't full enough. In my opinion anyway, though I favor Karajan that didn't help my decision in liking his Mahler better. I've tried both, Karajan's suits me better.
MrBeethoven333 1 year ago
@MrBeethoven333 definitely a matter of opinion as to Karajan's Mahler. He only conducted the 5th, 6h and 9th for starters and most critics cared little for his studio recordings of all 3. Look, he was an outstanding conductor, but NO one conductor excels at everything. His decca producer john culshaw while admiring his work, stated that he thought Karajan's recordings went downhill largely because he was surrounded by sycophants who did nothing for his critical development.
SFOtter 1 year ago
@SFOtter Well I understand what you mean for sure. Personally, which is again opinion, His Mahler 5 & 6 are better than others. But Bernstein absolutely does the rest better. karajan;s Tchaikovsky is on point, not slow and gloopey like others i would say, especially the 5th. By the way, do you happen to know what part of the Magnificant that is posted? i'm trying to find the itunes recording.
I'm tired of youtube critics. They troll and disagree, you're the first to NOT be an asshole, thanks
MrBeethoven333 1 year ago
@MrBeethoven333 We can always agree we have passion for great music and THAT is what's most important. Karajan was truly on fire when he conducted Strauss, Sibelius and Bruckner. If you haven't yet heard them, check out his EMI recordings of the Bruckner 7th, the Sibelius 1,4,5 & 6 and his Strauss Heldenleben and Don Quixote. Virtuosity at its greatest. His DGG Bruckner 8th is also magnificent.
SFOtter 1 year ago
@SFOtter
I think Gunter Wänd and Sergiu Celibidache interpretations of Bruckner are the best. Karajan is great for Beethoven as is Bernstein for Mahler
ThePenguin1995 1 year ago
@sstuddert Me too. I always look for the karajan version as well. I wish he did an entire Mahler cycle. That would have been one for the books.
murphy456 1 year ago 2
@murphy456 that would have been mavelous.
sstuddert 1 year ago
@sstuddert , Indeed. Specially with Karajan Gold Series.
logica10 1 year ago
@sstuddert
yes, so it is! look the early recordings . . .
itterottev 1 year ago
great he was, but in legends you shall no believe
barbavassilis 2 months ago
Karajan was so great ! Ich finde er war einer der größten Dirigenten.
BPanther 3 years ago 2
I remember watching the documentary about karajan and the Salzburg festival and the general manager of the met opera was saying how he recalled Karajan stating he was born on mt Olympus. I laughed, but then thinking about that his presence, the aura and just that look does resemble the form of a greek god, i've watched this over and over again and never fail to be touched deeply every time. Thank you once again
toscaninizt 3 years ago 3
Hmmm, good point, and nice observation! Karajan's ego was obviously quite vast, but, I think it has to be said in the same breath, it was no more vast than his virtuosic talent, knowledge and love of music. That dimension of Karajan is literally as awe-inspiring.
darkprose 2 years ago 3
Thank you so much. Even when I was 5 and watched some of his performances on TV with my uncle, he was my favourite. He always said how a conductor has to become a part of his music, and I loved the way Karjan showed how we should feel with that music. Thanks alot, brings back wonderful memories!
Shankovich 3 years ago 2
karajan was one of the greatest conductors ever!! for me, even better than Bernstein, thanks for sharing this wonderful vid!
kacharov 3 years ago 3
What a fascinating man....
Though he can be, and look, very restrained, I see him here with the Ninth Symphony as if he is in a kind of an ecstasy.
Supreme Beauty takes him into that Divine Sphere.
EttasFavourites 3 years ago 2
Amazing presentation!
HellenicMagic 3 years ago
Daniel:
Von Karajan Was one of the greats.
Thank you so much for posting ur latest,
and especially a BIG thank you for all
your hard work with Advent works.
Just Beautiful.
John
tailspin37 3 years ago
I remember, at the end of some of his concerts, the act of applauding, seemed like a profanation. Silence was the soul's ovation.
klingsor93 3 years ago 2
a wonderful compailation of karajan moments. Thank you
toscaninizt 3 years ago 3