Herbert von Karajan's "Karajan A-Z: Compilations" is a monumental collection that spans the breadth of his illustrious career, offering a comprehensive journey through the world of classical music. Released on August 23, 2024, by Deutsche Grammophon, this double-disc set features 120 meticulously curated tracks, totaling over two hours of exquisite performances. The album is a testament to von Karajan's unparalleled artistry and his enduring legacy in the classical music realm.
The compilation begins with a selection of beautifully arranged Christmas carols, showcasing von Karajan's ability to infuse traditional pieces with a sense of freshness and depth. From the serene "Silent Night" to the triumphant "O Holy Night," each arrangement is a testament to his mastery of orchestral dynamics. The album then delves into a rich tapestry of classical masterpieces, including works by Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven, performed with the precision and passion that have become synonymous with von Karajan's name.
In addition to these timeless classics, the album features a diverse array of national anthems, each rendered with a sense of reverence and national pride. From the stirring "La Marseillaise" to the poignant "God Save the King," these performances highlight von Karajan's ability to bring out the unique character of each piece.
"Karajan A-Z: Compilations" is not just an album; it is a celebration of Herbert von Karajan's contributions to the world of classical music. Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or a newcomer to the genre, this collection offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. With its diverse selection of pieces and impeccable performances, it is a fitting tribute to one of the most influential conductors of the 20th century.
Silent Night / Stille Nacht (Arr. Meyer)Franz Xaver Gruber, Leontyne Price, Wiener Singverein, Wiener Grosstadtkinderchor, Wiener Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (Arr. Meyer)Felix Mendelssohn, Leontyne Price, Wiener Singverein, Wiener Grosstadtkinderchor, Wiener Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
We Three Kings of Orient Are (Arr. Meyer)John Henry Hopkins, Leontyne Price, Wiener Singverein, Wiener Grosstadtkinderchor, Wiener Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Angels We Have Heard on High (Arr. Meyer)Anonymous, Leontyne Price, Wiener Singverein, Wiener Grosstadtkinderchor, Wiener Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
O Tannenbaum (Arr. Meyer)Anonymous, Leontyne Price, Wiener Singverein, Wiener Grosstadtkinderchor, Herbert von Karajan
God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen (Arr. Meyer)Anonymous, Leontyne Price, Wiener Singverein, Wiener Grosstadtkinderchor, Wiener Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
It Came upon the Midnight Clear (Arr. Meyer)Richard Storrs Willis, Leontyne Price, Wiener Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Vom Himmel hoch (Arr. Meyer)Martin Luther, Leontyne Price, Wiener Singverein, Wiener Grosstadtkinderchor, Wiener Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Sweet Little Jesus BoyAnonymous, Leontyne Price
Ave Maria, D. 839 (Arr. Sabatini)Franz Schubert, Leontyne Price, Wiener Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
O Holy Night (Arr. Totzauer)Adolphe Adam, Leontyne Price, Wiener Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Ave Maria, CG 89a (After J.S. Bach: Prelude in C Major, BWV 846) [Arr. Sabatini]Charles Gounod, Leontyne Price, Wiener Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Exsultate, jubilate, K. 165: IV. Alleluja. AllegroWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Leontyne Price, Wiener Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Concerto grosso No. 8 in G Minor, Op. 6/8 "Christmas Concerto": I. Vivace – Grave – II. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, Thomas Brandis, Emil Maas, Ottomar Borwitzky, Waldemar Döling, Wolfgang Meyer, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Concerto grosso No. 8 in G Minor, Op. 6/8 "Christmas Concerto": III. Adagio – Allegro – AdagioArcangelo Corelli, Thomas Brandis, Emil Maas, Ottomar Borwitzky, Waldemar Döling, Wolfgang Meyer, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Concerto grosso No. 8 in G Minor, Op. 6/8 "Christmas Concerto": IV. VivaceArcangelo Corelli, Thomas Brandis, Emil Maas, Ottomar Borwitzky, Waldemar Döling, Wolfgang Meyer, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Concerto grosso No. 8 in G Minor, Op. 6/8 "Christmas Concerto": V. Allegro –Arcangelo Corelli, Thomas Brandis, Emil Maas, Ottomar Borwitzky, Waldemar Döling, Wolfgang Meyer, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Concerto grosso No. 8 in G Minor, Op. 6/8 "Christmas Concerto": VI. Largo. PastoraleArcangelo Corelli, Thomas Brandis, Emil Maas, Ottomar Borwitzky, Waldemar Döling, Wolfgang Meyer, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Concerto grosso No. 12 in C Major, Op. 3/12 "Christmas Concerto": I. Largo (Pastorale per il Santissimo Natale)Francesco Onofrio Manfredini, Thomas Brandis, Emil Maas, Ottomar Borwitzky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Concerto grosso No. 12 in C Major, Op. 3/12 "Christmas Concerto": II. LargoFrancesco Onofrio Manfredini, Thomas Brandis, Emil Maas, Ottomar Borwitzky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Concerto grosso No. 12 in C Major, Op. 3/12 "Christmas Concerto": III. AllegroFrancesco Onofrio Manfredini, Thomas Brandis, Emil Maas, Ottomar Borwitzky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Concerto grosso in G Minor, Op. 8 No. 6 "Christmas Concerto": I. Grave – Vivace – Adagio –Giuseppe Torelli, Thomas Brandis, Emil Maas, Ottomar Borwitzky, Wolfgang Meyer, Waldemar Döling, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Concerto grosso in G Minor, Op. 8 No. 6 "Christmas Concerto": II. Largo –Giuseppe Torelli, Thomas Brandis, Emil Maas, Ottomar Borwitzky, Wolfgang Meyer, Waldemar Döling, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Concerto grosso in G Minor, Op. 8 No. 6 "Christmas Concerto": III. VivaceGiuseppe Torelli, Thomas Brandis, Emil Maas, Ottomar Borwitzky, Wolfgang Meyer, Waldemar Döling, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Concerto grosso in F Minor, Op. 1 No. 8 "Christmas Concerto": I. Largo – II. GravePietro Locatelli, Thomas Brandis, Emil Maas, Dietrich Gerhardt, Hans Priem, Ottomar Borwitzky, Wolfgang Meyer, Waldemar Döling, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Concerto grosso in F Minor, Op. 1 No. 8 "Christmas Concerto": III. Vivace – AdagioPietro Locatelli, Thomas Brandis, Emil Maas, Dietrich Gerhardt, Hans Priem, Ottomar Borwitzky, Wolfgang Meyer, Waldemar Döling, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Concerto grosso in F Minor, Op. 1 No. 8 "Christmas Concerto": IV. Grave – AdagioPietro Locatelli, Thomas Brandis, Emil Maas, Dietrich Gerhardt, Hans Priem, Ottomar Borwitzky, Wolfgang Meyer, Waldemar Döling, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Concerto grosso in F Minor, Op. 1 No. 8 "Christmas Concerto": V. Largo andantePietro Locatelli, Thomas Brandis, Emil Maas, Dietrich Gerhardt, Hans Priem, Ottomar Borwitzky, Wolfgang Meyer, Waldemar Döling, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Concerto grosso in F Minor, Op. 1 No. 8 "Christmas Concerto": VI. Andante – AdagioPietro Locatelli, Thomas Brandis, Emil Maas, Dietrich Gerhardt, Hans Priem, Ottomar Borwitzky, Wolfgang Meyer, Waldemar Döling, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Concerto grosso in F Minor, Op. 1 No. 8 "Christmas Concerto": VII. Pastorale. Largo AndantePietro Locatelli, Thomas Brandis, Emil Maas, Dietrich Gerhardt, Hans Priem, Ottomar Borwitzky, Wolfgang Meyer, Waldemar Döling, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Europa Hymn "Ode to Joy" from Symphony No. 9 (EU Anthem)Ludwig van Beethoven, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Land der Berge, Land am Strome (Austrian National Anthem) - Orchestral Version Instrumentated By Max SchönherrWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Traditional, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
La Brabançonne (National Anthem of Belgium)François Van Campenhout, Traditional, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Ymnos Eis tin Eleftherian "Hymn to Liberty" (National Anthem of Cyprus)Nikolaos Mantzaros, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Der er et yndigt land (National Anthem of Denmark)Hans Ernst Krøyer, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit (National Anthem of Germany)Joseph Haydn, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
La Marseillaise (National Anthem of France)Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Lofsöngur (National Anthem of Iceland)Sveinbjoern Sveinbjoernsson, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Amhrán na bhFiann (National Anthem of Ireland)Patrick Heeney, Peadar Kearney, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Inno di Mameli "Il Canto degli Italiani" (National Anthem of Italy)Michelle Novaro, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Ons Heemecht (National Anthem of Luxembourg)Jean-Antoine Zinnen, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Lil din l-art helwa "L-Innu Malti" (National Anthem of Malta)Robert Samut, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Wilhelmus van Nassouwé (National Anthem of the Netherlands)Traditional, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Ja, vi elsker dette landet (National Anthem of Norway)Rikard Nordraak, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Du gamla, du fria (National Anthem of Sweden)Traditional, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Cantique suisse "Swiss Psalm" (National Anthem of Switzerland)Alberich Zwyssig, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
İstiklâl Marşı (National Anthem of Turkey)Osman Zeki Üngör, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
God Save the King (National Anthem of The United Kingdom)Anonymous, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Imnos Eis tin Eleftherian (National Anthem of Greece)Nikolaos Mantzaros, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Kong Christian (National Anthem of Denmark)Friedrich Kuhlau, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Herbert von Karajan, the legendary Austrian conductor, left an indelible mark on the world of classical music. Born in Salzburg in 1908, Karajan's career spanned over five decades, with his most notable tenure being as the principal conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic for an impressive 35 years. His recordings, numbering over 200 million sold, are a testament to his enduring popularity and influence. Karajan was not just a maestro on the podium; he was also a pioneer in using media to spread his art, being one of the first conductors to fully embrace recording technology. His repertoire, encompassing genres like classical, opera, orchestra, and requiem, showcases his versatility and deep musical understanding. Despite his undeniable talent, Karajan's career was not without controversy, particularly his early association with the Nazi party. However, his musical achievements continue to captivate fans and critics alike, making him one of the most intriguing and dominant figures in 20th-century classical music.