CD:
Herbert von Karajan: 1970–1979 live in Berlin

The unique magic of the live concert on 20 CDs: the Berliner Philharmoniker and their former chief conductor

This edition presents the second part of our series of largely unreleased live recordings, which chronologically trace the Berliner Philharmoniker’s years with Herbert von Karajan. The recordings from the 1970s cover the heyday, when the chief conductor and orchestra had fully found their feet and perfected the sound that was so characteristic of their partnership. The edition not only complements the existing joint discography, but also provides a counterpoint: while the widely known recordings were mostly made in the studio, these recordings capture the unique magic of a live concert.

The recordings in the edition also offer an insight into Herbert von Karajan’s dramaturgical approach. Beethoven’s and Bruckner’s symphonies have a firm place in it, but so do works that provide a contrasting colour – which the conductor, however, recorded on disc only in part.

The recordings were made between 1970 and 1979 by Rundfunk im Amerikanischen Sektor (RIAS) and Sender Freies Berlin (SFB). They have been digitally remastered from analogue recordings to achieve the best possible quality for this edition. The hardcover box, designed by Thomas Scheibitz, contains the recordings on 20 CDs/SACDs (hybrid), as well as an accompanying book with in-depth essays and photos portraying Herbert von Karajan, the man and musician.

20 Hybrid CD/SACD