The Berliner Philharmoniker and Herbert von Karajan: 1970–1979 – Live in Berlin

We are pleased to announce the release of The Berliner Philharmoniker and Herbert von Karajan: 1970–1979 – Live in Berlin, the second volume in the series of largely unpublished live recordings documenting the joint years of Herbert von Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic in chronological order.

Following the formative phase of the 1960s, the recordings from the 1970s cover the period in which chief conductor and orchestra had fully consolidated their collaboration and developed the characteristic sound associated with this partnership. The edition not only complements the existing joint discography; it also sets a counterpoint to it. While the widely known recordings were predominantly studio productions, these radio recordings capture the unique character of the live concert moment.

Presented as complete concerts, the recordings provide insight into Herbert von Karajan’s dramaturgical programming. The symphonies of Beethoven and Bruckner form a central part of the repertoire, alongside works that add contrasting colours and were only partially preserved on record. The edition also documents appearances by orchestra members such as the concertmasters Leon Spierer and Thomas Brandis as soloists in concertos.

The recordings were made between 1970 and 1979 by Rundfunk im Amerikanischen Sektor (RIAS) and Sender Freies Berlin (SFB) and have been newly transferred from the original analogue sources and remastered in digital form. Designed by Thomas Scheibitz, the hardcover box contains the complete recordings on 20 CD/SACD (Hybrid) as well as an extensive accompanying book with essays and photographs portraying Herbert von Karajan as musician and individual.

The edition is available through the official shop of the Berlin Philharmonic.