The piano concerto is one of the central genres of the 19th century. Around 1800, it still followed a clear model: the orchestra introduces the material, the soloist responds, and virtuosity plays a central role. Over the course of the century, this balance begins to change. Starting with Beethoven, the…
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Awakening and decline are basic experiences of human life. Myths and religions speak about the beginning of the world, nature wakes up every year when spring returns, and every day begins with the change from night to morning. Moments like these have inspired composers for a long time. Music can…
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This week’s theme looks at Herbert von Karajan’s recordings for Decca and asks what makes them distinctive. These sessions were shaped by specific places, production methods and technical decisions that went beyond simply capturing a performance. Together, they show how sound, planning and collaboration influenced the final result — and…
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Time is an essential element of music. Music is the only art form that depends entirely on time. A painting or sculpture stands still, but a piece of music only exists as it unfolds. Its shape depends on our ability to remember what came before and to connect it with…
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Karajan’s approach to Edvard Grieg was an “economical” one and took place almost completely in the studio...
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Here you can download the full curriculum vitae of Herbert von Karajan!