Day 29: Symphony No. 2 in D Major (Karajan)

I enjoy listening to Austrian conductor Herbert von Karajan (1908-1989) back to back like this, especially comparing his two most prized Beethoven cycles: 1963 and 1977. Although a reader’s poll on the Talk Classical site, indicates most of those who responded preferred Karajan’s 1963 cycle by a margin of more than two to one, I … [Read more…]

Day 28: Symphony No. 2 in D Major (Karajan)

This morning’s conductor of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2 in D Major is the legendary Herbert von Karajan (1908-1989). His orchestra is the legendary Berliner Philharmoniker. The record label is equally as legendary: Deutsche Grammophon, with its famous yellow logo. And, legendary upon legendary upon legendary, the recording comes from Karajan’s famed 1963 Beethoven cycle. So … [Read more…]