Herbert von Karajan, one of the most celebrated conductors of the 20th century, presents a captivating compilation of works by Edvard Grieg and George Frideric Handel in "Karajan A-Z: Grieg - Handel." This album, set for release on August 16, 2024, under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, offers a rich tapestry of classical masterpieces that showcase Karajan's unparalleled artistry and the exceptional talents of the orchestras he conducted.
The album opens with Grieg's iconic "Holberg Suite, Op. 40," recorded in 1981, a suite that pays homage to the 200th anniversary of the birth of Norwegian playwright Ludvig Holberg. The suite's five movements, from the lively "Praeludium" to the spirited "Rigaudon," are performed with a clarity and precision that highlight Karajan's meticulous attention to detail.
The album also features selections from Grieg's "Peer Gynt Suite," recorded in 1971, 1981, and 1982. These recordings capture the essence of Grieg's incidental music to Henrik Ibsen's play, with standout tracks like "Morning Mood" and "In the Hall of the Mountain King" showcasing Karajan's ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through his conducting.
From Grieg, the album transitions to the Baroque brilliance of Handel, with performances of his "Concerto grosso" works. These recordings, with their intricate counterpoint and vibrant rhythms, demonstrate Karajan's versatility and his deep understanding of the Baroque style. The "Concerto grosso No. 5 in D Major, Op. 6/5, HWV 323" and "Concerto grosso No. 12 in B Minor, Op. 6/12, HWV 330" are particularly noteworthy, offering a feast of orchestral color and texture.
With a total duration of 3 hours and 34 minutes, "Karajan A-Z: Grieg - Handel" is a substantial collection that offers both seasoned classical music enthusiasts and newcomers alike a chance to explore the depths of Grieg and Handel's compositions under the guidance of one of the most influential conductors in history. This album is a testament to Karajan's enduring legacy and his ability to bring out the best in both the music and the musicians he conducted.
Holberg Suite, Op. 40: I. Praeludium. Allegro vivace - Recorded 1981Edvard Grieg, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Holberg Suite, Op. 40: II. Sarabande. Andante - Recorded 1981Edvard Grieg, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Holberg Suite, Op. 40: III. Gavotte. Allegretto - Recorded 1981Edvard Grieg, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Holberg Suite, Op. 40: IV. Air. Andante religioso - Recorded 1981Edvard Grieg, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Holberg Suite, Op. 40: V. Rigaudon. Allegro con brio - Recorded 1981Edvard Grieg, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: I. Morning MoodEdvard Grieg, Wiener Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: II. Aase's DeathEdvard Grieg, Wiener Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: III. Anitra's DanceEdvard Grieg, Wiener Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: IV. In the Hall of the Mountain KingEdvard Grieg, Wiener Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Op. 55: I. The Abduction of the Bride. Ingrid's LamentEdvard Grieg, Wiener Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Op. 55: IV. Solveig's SongEdvard Grieg, Wiener Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: I. Morning Mood - Recorded 1971Edvard Grieg, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: II. The Death of Aase - Recorded 1971Edvard Grieg, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: III. Anitra's Dance - Recorded 1971Edvard Grieg, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: IV. In the Hall of the Mountain King - Recorded 1971Edvard Grieg, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Op. 55: I. The Abduction of the Bride. Ingrid's Lament - Recorded 1971Edvard Grieg, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Op. 55: II. Arabian Dance - Recorded 1971Edvard Grieg, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Op. 55: III. Peer Gynt's Homecoming - Recorded 1971Edvard Grieg, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Op. 55: IV. Solveig's Song - Recorded 1971Edvard Grieg, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Sigurd Jorsalfar Suite, Op. 56: I. Prelude. In the King's Hall (Op. 22/1) - Recorded 1971Edvard Grieg, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Sigurd Jorsalfar Suite, Op. 56: II. Intermezzo. Borghild's Dream (Op. 22/2) - Recorded 1971Edvard Grieg, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Sigurd Jorsalfar Suite, Op. 56: III. Homage March (Op. 22/4) - Recorded 1971Edvard Grieg, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: I. Morning Mood - Recorded 1982Edvard Grieg, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: II. The Death of Aase - Recorded 1982Edvard Grieg, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: III. Anitra's Dance - Recorded 1982Edvard Grieg, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: IV. In the Hall of the Mountain King - Recorded 1982Edvard Grieg, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Op. 55: I. The Abduction of the Bride. Ingrid's Lament - Recorded 1982Edvard Grieg, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Op. 55: II. Arabian Dance - Recorded 1982Edvard Grieg, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Op. 55: III. Peer Gynt's Homecoming - Recorded 1982Edvard Grieg, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, Op. 55: IV. Solveig's Song - Recorded 1982Edvard Grieg, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16: I. Allegro molto moderato - Recorded 1981Edvard Grieg, Krystian Zimerman, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16: II. Adagio - Recorded 1981Edvard Grieg, Krystian Zimerman, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16: III. Allegro moderato molto e marcato - Recorded 1981Edvard Grieg, Krystian Zimerman, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Concerto grosso No. 5 in D Major, Op. 6/5, HWV 323: I. Overture. Larghetto e staccatoGeorge Frideric Handel, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Concerto grosso No. 5 in D Major, Op. 6/5, HWV 323: II. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Concerto grosso No. 5 in D Major, Op. 6/5, HWV 323: III. PrestoGeorge Frideric Handel, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Concerto grosso No. 5 in D Major, Op. 6/5, HWV 323: IV. LargoGeorge Frideric Handel, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Concerto grosso No. 5 in D Major, Op. 6/5, HWV 323: V. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Concerto grosso No. 5 in D Major, Op. 6/5, HWV 323: VI. Menuet. Un poco larghettoGeorge Frideric Handel, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Concerto grosso No. 12 in B Minor, Op. 6/12, HWV 330: I. LargoGeorge Frideric Handel, Michel Schwalbé, Hanns-Joachim Westphal, Ottomar Borwitzky, Karl Scheit, Friedrich Fischer, Herbert von Karajan, Edith Picht-Axenfeld, Berliner Philharmoniker
Concerto grosso No. 12 in B Minor, Op. 6/12, HWV 330: II. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Michel Schwalbé, Hanns-Joachim Westphal, Ottomar Borwitzky, Karl Scheit, Friedrich Fischer, Edith Picht-Axenfeld, Herbert von Karajan, Berliner Philharmoniker
Concerto grosso No. 12 in B Minor, Op. 6/12, HWV 330: III. Aria e variato. LarghettoGeorge Frideric Handel, Michel Schwalbé, Hanns-Joachim Westphal, Ottomar Borwitzky, Edith Picht-Axenfeld, Herbert von Karajan, Karl Scheit, Friedrich Fischer, Berliner Philharmoniker
Concerto grosso No. 12 in B Minor, Op. 6/12, HWV 330: IV. LargoGeorge Frideric Handel, Michel Schwalbé, Hanns-Joachim Westphal, Ottomar Borwitzky, Karl Scheit, Friedrich Fischer, Herbert von Karajan, Edith Picht-Axenfeld, Berliner Philharmoniker
Concerto grosso No. 12 in B Minor, Op. 6/12, HWV 330: V. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Michel Schwalbé, Hanns-Joachim Westphal, Ottomar Borwitzky, Karl Scheit, Friedrich Fischer, Edith Picht-Axenfeld, Herbert von Karajan, Berliner Philharmoniker
Concerto grosso No. 10 in D Minor, Op. 6/10, HWV 328: Ia. OvertureGeorge Frideric Handel, Michel Schwalbé, Hanns-Joachim Westphal, Ottomar Borwitzky, Edith Picht-Axenfeld, Herbert von Karajan, Karl Scheit, Friedrich Fischer, Berliner Philharmoniker
Concerto grosso No. 10 in D Minor, Op. 6/10, HWV 328: Ib. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Michel Schwalbé, Hanns-Joachim Westphal, Ottomar Borwitzky, Karl Scheit, Friedrich Fischer, Edith Picht-Axenfeld, Herbert von Karajan, Berliner Philharmoniker
Concerto grosso No. 10 in D Minor, Op. 6/10, HWV 328: II. Air. LentementGeorge Frideric Handel, Michel Schwalbé, Hanns-Joachim Westphal, Ottomar Borwitzky, Karl Scheit, Friedrich Fischer, Herbert von Karajan, Edith Picht-Axenfeld, Berliner Philharmoniker
Concerto grosso No. 10 in D Minor, Op. 6/10, HWV 328: III. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Michel Schwalbé, Hanns-Joachim Westphal, Ottomar Borwitzky, Karl Scheit, Friedrich Fischer, Edith Picht-Axenfeld, Herbert von Karajan, Berliner Philharmoniker
Concerto grosso No. 10 in D Minor, Op. 6/10, HWV 328: IV. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Michel Schwalbé, Hanns-Joachim Westphal, Ottomar Borwitzky, Karl Scheit, Friedrich Fischer, Edith Picht-Axenfeld, Horst Goebel, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Concerto grosso No. 10 in D Minor, Op. 6/10, HWV 328: V. Allegro moderatoGeorge Frideric Handel, Michel Schwalbé, Hanns-Joachim Westphal, Ottomar Borwitzky, Karl Scheit, Friedrich Fischer, Edith Picht-Axenfeld, Herbert von Karajan, Berliner Philharmoniker
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