The relationship between gods and men is one of the oldest themes in human thought. Myths describe gods who rule the world, religion speaks of a single divine presence, and philosophy questions how humans relate to both. Music has found different ways to approach this idea. It can present 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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“In nova fert animus mutatas dicer formas corpora: di, coeptis (nam vos mutastis et illas) adspirate meis primaque ab origine mundi ad mea perpetuum deducite tempora carmen.” “My intention is to tell of bodies changed to different forms; the gods, who made the changes, will inspire my work.” — Ovid,…
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“For each beginning bears a special magic, that nurtures living and bestows protection….” Herman Hesse These words ring true for life in general, as well as the art of classical music. If we think about a child starting to play an instrument, a composer birthing his first work, an overture…
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Richard Wagner’s “The Valkyrie” is a complete opera and also part of the greatest cycle in classical music, “The Ring of the Nibelung”. Karajan’s interpretation of “The Valkyrie”...
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Richard Wagner’s “Tristan und Isolde” had a crucial bearing not only on the composer’s life and Karajan’s career but on the history of modern music. There is hardly any other work...
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Here you can download the full curriculum vitae of Herbert von Karajan!