Herbert von Karajan's "The Early Lucerne Years" is a monumental collection of live performances that captures the essence of some of the most celebrated classical music concerts from the early years of the Lucerne Festival. This album, released on September 8, 2023, by Audite Musikproduktion, features Robert Casadesus alongside other legendary soloists such as Géza Anda, Clara Haskil, and Nathan Milstein, all conducted by the maestro himself, Herbert von Karajan.
Spanning nearly four hours, this 25-track album is a treasure trove of classical masterpieces. It includes iconic works such as Beethoven's Symphony No. 8 and Symphony No. 6 'Pastoral,' Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 24, and Bach's Concerto for 2 Pianos and Orchestra. The album also features Dvořák's Symphony No. 4, Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto, and Honegger's Symphony No. 3 'Liturgique,' showcasing a diverse range of compositions that highlight the depth and breadth of the classical repertoire.
This release is a testament to the outstanding performances that have shaped the Lucerne Festival over its six-decade history. The recordings, remastered in 2023, offer a pristine listening experience, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate the artistry and technical prowess of these legendary musicians. Whether you are a seasoned classical music aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, "The Early Lucerne Years" provides an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in some of the finest live performances from one of the world's most prestigious music festivals.
Symphony No. 8 in F Major, Op. 93: I. Allegro vivace e con BrioLudwig van Beethoven, Herbert von Karajan, Schweizerisches Festspielorchester
Symphony No. 8 in F Major, Op. 93: II. Allegretto ScherzandoLudwig van Beethoven, Herbert von Karajan, Schweizerisches Festspielorchester
Symphony No. 8 in F Major, Op. 93: III. Tempo di MenuettoLudwig van Beethoven, Herbert von Karajan, Schweizerisches Festspielorchester
Symphony No. 8 in F Major, Op. 93: IV. Allegro VivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Herbert von Karajan, Schweizerisches Festspielorchester
Piano Concerto No. 24 in C Minor, K. 491: I. AllegroWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Robert Casadesus, Herbert von Karajan, Schweizerisches Festspielorchester
Piano Concerto No. 24 in C Minor, K. 491: II. LarghettoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Robert Casadesus, Herbert von Karajan, Schweizerisches Festspielorchester
Piano Concerto No. 24 in C Minor, K. 491: III. AllegrettoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Robert Casadesus, Herbert von Karajan, Schweizerisches Festspielorchester
Concerto for 2 Pianos and Orchestra in C Major, BWV 1061: I. -Johann Sebastian Bach, Géza Anda, Clara Haskil, Herbert von Karajan, Schweizerisches Festspielorchester
Concerto for 2 Pianos and Orchestra in C Major, BWV 1061: II. Adagio ovvero LargoJohann Sebastian Bach, Géza Anda, Clara Haskil, Herbert von Karajan, Schweizerisches Festspielorchester
Concerto for 2 Pianos and Orchestra in C Major, BWV 1061: III. FugaJohann Sebastian Bach, Géza Anda, Clara Haskil, Herbert von Karajan, Schweizerisches Festspielorchester
Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68 'Pastoral': I. Awakening of Cheerful Feelings Upon Arriving in the Countryside. Allegro ma non TroppoLudwig van Beethoven, Herbert von Karajan, Philharmonia Orchestra
Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68 'Pastoral': II. Scene By the Brook. Andante molto MotoLudwig van Beethoven, Herbert von Karajan, Philharmonia Orchestra
Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68 'Pastoral': III. Merry Gathering of Country Folk. Allegro -Ludwig van Beethoven, Herbert von Karajan, Philharmonia Orchestra
Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68 'Pastoral': IV. Thunderstorm. Allegro -Ludwig van Beethoven, Herbert von Karajan, Philharmonia Orchestra
Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68 'Pastoral': V. Shepherd's Hymn: Happy and Thankful Feelings After the Storm. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Herbert von Karajan, Philharmonia Orchestra
Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 98: I. Allegro non TroppoJohannes Brahms, Herbert von Karajan, Philharmonia Orchestra
Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 98: II. Andante ModeratoJohannes Brahms, Herbert von Karajan, Philharmonia Orchestra
Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 98: III. Allegro GiocosoJohannes Brahms, Herbert von Karajan, Philharmonia Orchestra
Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 98: IV. Allegro energico e PassionatoJohannes Brahms, Herbert von Karajan, Philharmonia Orchestra
Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77: I. Allegro non TroppoJohannes Brahms, Nathan Milstein, Herbert von Karajan, Schweizerisches Festspielorchester
Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77: II. AdagioJohannes Brahms, Nathan Milstein, Herbert von Karajan, Schweizerisches Festspielorchester
Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77: III. Allegro giocoso, ma non troppo VivaceJohannes Brahms, Nathan Milstein, Herbert von Karajan, Schweizerisches Festspielorchester
Symphony No. 3, H. 186 'Liturgique': I. Dies Irae. Allegro MarcatoArthur Honegger, Herbert von Karajan, Schweizerisches Festspielorchester
Symphony No. 3, H. 186 'Liturgique': II. De profundis clamavi. AdagioArthur Honegger, Herbert von Karajan, Schweizerisches Festspielorchester
Symphony No. 3, H. 186 'Liturgique': III. Dona nobis pacem. AndanteArthur Honegger, Herbert von Karajan, Schweizerisches Festspielorchester