In 1956, Herbert von Karajan took over the baton of the Berliner Philharmoniker, an extraordinary figure with enormous charisma: humble in the face of the scores, the conductor developed a broad repertoire with the orchestra. Karajan also enjoyed the attention of the public, enjoyed an extravagant lifestyle and was a technological pioneer. Explore all facets of the artist in the Digital Concert Hall: in concert with Beethoven’s Ninth, as an opera conductor, and in an exclusive interview.
On New Year’s Eve 1977, Herbert von Karajan and the Berliner Philharmoniker gave a sensational performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony – the orchestra’s first concert broadcast live worldwide.
Karajan created a Gesamtkunstwerk in the spirit of Richard Wagner with this opera film: while he makes all the subtleties of the “Rheingold” score audible as a conductor, as a director he presents the action impressively on stage and on film – a unique document!
A fascinating insight into Karajan’s work: witness him not only in a performance of Beethoven’s Fifth, but also in a masterclass in which he passes on his vast knowledge of rehearsal technique and interpretation – we also discover the secret of the legendary “Karajan sound”.
