Karajan conducts Strauss Tone Poems

Synopsis

In 1984, Herbert von Karajan and the Berliner Philharmoniker presented an unusual concert program of two contrasting yet complimentary works by Richard Strauss: the early symphonic poem Death and Transfiguration and the mature masterpiece Metamorphoses. Stretching the limits of Romanticism, Death and Transfiguration depicts the final moments of a sick man who reflects back on his life before his death. In the abstract musical exploration Metamorphoses, the composer draws inspiration from previous generations' compositional approaches to push musical limits, taking counterpoint to new heights with this piece written in 23 independent sections. With their signature sonic intensity, the famed Austrian conductor and the Berliner Philharmoniker give a truly captivating performance.

Additional Info

• No: 8588
• Composer: Richard Strauss
• Conductor: Herbert von Karajan
• Orchestra: Berliner Philharmoniker
• Production year: 1984
• Run time: 00:53:00
• Producers: Telemondial in co-production with ZDF
• Format: HDTV 16:9