Herbert von Karajan

Perhaps nobody in the second half of the 20th century more completely dominated European orchestral music than the great conductor, director and teacher Herbert von Karajan. This DVD package, focusing on an artistically sensitive film, offers unusually thoughtful and compelling views of a man who embodied the grandest of the classical traditions. It departs from cliched images of this imposing and charismatic artist, looking behind the drama of his style and the superstardom of his career to rehabilitate his reputation as technically and aesthetically one of the most proficient conductors of his time. Archive footage of Karajan leading a variety of orchestras ­ from his renowned Berlin Philharmonic to the European Community Youth Orchestra ­ show him as not only extraordinarily intense and powerful but also warm and engaging. Seiji Ozawa and Anne-Sophie Mutter, among other musicians and former students, evoke the seminal influence of Karajan in their lives with anecdotes and reminiscences both humorous and moving. Karajan himself describes his youth and early struggles. The music of Mozart, Bizet, Beethoven, Dvorak and others is heard throughout. The film also takes an unflinching look at conflicts in the career of a great but flawed artist. Karajan’s alleged relationship with the Nazi Party is examined with fairness and clarity.

Includes bonus CD ­ Brahms, Strauss, Concertgebouw, Cond. von Karajan, Amsterdam 1943