Director of the perfect sound: Herbert von Karajan with the Berliner Philharmoniker

As chief conductor of the Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan shaped an era that began in 1955 and ended only a few months before his death in July 1989. Among its highlights were the founding of the Salzburg Easter Festival, the opening of the Philharmonie designed by Hans Scharoun, and many audio and visual recordings. Our playlist of great works from the 19th and 20th centuries lets you experience Karajan as the director of his ideal orchestral sound.