Music Matters - 05/07/2008

The centenary of the great Austrian conductor Herbert von Karajan is celebrated in 2008, and more than a decade after his death, he remains an enigmatic and controversial figure. James Jolly explores the myths surrounding him, the media image he projected and the music he championed, with contributions from Karajan's biographer, his record producer and musicians who worked with him. (All conducted by Karajan) Beethoven: Coriolan Overture (1953) Philharmonia Orchestra Herbert von Karajan (conductor) EMI 512038-2 (88-CD box set: Herbert von Karajan: Volume 1 - Orchestral) Offenbach: Barcarolle (The Tales of Hoffmann) (1954) Philharmonia Orchestra EMI CDM 566603-2 Strauss: Tod und Verklarung (1972) Berlin Philharmonic DG 447 422-2 Bartok: Concerto for Orchestra (1965) Berlin Philharmonic DG 477 7160 Mozart: Soave il vento (Cosi fan tutte) EMI 511973-2 (72-CD box set: Herbert von Karajan: Volume 2 - Opera and Vocal) Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier (1956 recording) Philharmonia Orchestra EMI CDS 556242-2 Ponchielli: Dance of the Hours (La Gioconda) (1960 recording) Philharmonia Orchestra EMI 512038-2 (88-CD box set: Herbert von Karajan: Volume 1 - Orchestral) Wagner: Siegfried's Funeral March (Gotterdammerung) Berlin Philharmonic DG 457 795-2 Shostakovich: Symphony No 10 (1966 recording) Berlin Philharmonic DG 429 716-2 Debussy: Pelleas et Melisande (1978 recording) Richard Stilwell (baritone) Frederica von Stade (mezzo-soprano) Berlin Philharmonic EMI CDS 749350-2 Chabrier: Espana (1947 recording) Vienna Philharmonic EMI 512038-2 (88-CD box set: Herbert von Karajan: Volume 1 - Orchestral) Beethoven: Symphony No 6 (1982 recording) Berlin Philharmonic DG 439 004-2.