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100th Anniversary of the Birth of Conductor Herbert von Karajan
He won three Grammy Awards, was perhaps the most recorded and filmed conductor in history, and led orchestras worldwide, including well over 100 concerts in the United States. His last three concerts in New York were praised by American audiences and critics alike, yet Herbert von Karajan remained a controversial figure throughout his lifetime. Already in his youth, Herbert von Karajan’s aptitude was recognized and nurtured. Born in Austria, on April 5, 1908, Karajan began his career in Germany during the period of the National Socialist regime. Later, due to his membership in the Nazi party, Karajan was banned from conducting in postwar Germany for two years following the end of World War II. However, through his talent, love for music, and ambition, Karajan was eventually able to win over the concert halls and the hearts of his listeners in the 1950s. The unrelenting severity with which he allegedly treated musicians and his impassioned energy during performances—which critics frequently cited as a penchant for self-promotion—provided fodder for more criticism. Still, these traits also distinguished him and enabled him to perfect the quality of the performances by the orchestras he conducted. Through his striking personality, his rigor, and his talent for conducting the world’s most celebrated symphony and opera house orchestras in his own unique style and manner, Karajan made a name for himself which has found a place in the classical music world for all time. Karajan died in Salzburg on July 16, 1989, at the age of 81. In his obituary in the New York Times, Karajan was ultimately cited as “probably the world’s best-known conductor and one of the most powerful figures in classical music.”
This year marks not only what would have been the 100th birthday of Herbert von Karajan, it is also a Karajan celebration year. The Eliette and Herbert von Karajan Institute has organized a series of events in the music metropolises that played a major role in Karajan's career: the cities of Berlin, Paris, Lucerne, Vienna, New York, Zurich, London, Beijing and Tokyo. For detailed information on the planned jubilee activities, please visit the Eliette and Herbert von Karajan Institute’s website. March 25, 2008 Link
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