An account of the life and work of controversial German orchestra conductor Herbert von Karajan (1908-89), celebrated as one of the greatest musicians of the twentieth century.

Great filmmakers claim the artistic influence of French director Henri-Georges Clouzot (1907-1977), a master of suspense, with a unique vision of the world, who knew how to offer both great shows and subtle studies of characters. Beyond the myth of the tyrannical director, a contrasting portrait of a visionary, an agitator, an artist against the system.

“What remains of Karajan?” asks the award-winning documentary film maker Eric Schulz. In his film Karajan – The Second Life, he explores the man and the musician – and especially his media legacy. We discover the conditions under which the technology enthusiast Karajan created his countless recordings and how these documents can help us to understand the phenomenon that is Karajan.

Very few people really knew Herbert von Karajan. The conductor gave access to his private life only a little circle of strictly loyal people who kept their secrets even long after the maestro’s death. This documentary for the first time shows in the whole dimension the real man Karajan: not only the image of a dandy that he himself had shown to the public, but the unfiltered image of his personality. Newly discovered original film footage from the inner circle shows Karajan’s private life like it really was.

With a career that includes a 35-year tenure as composer of the Berlin Philharmonic and record sales topping 200 million, Herbert von Karajan is one of the most legendary figures in 20th-century classical music. Comprised of archival footage, performance highlights and interviews with the likes of Anne-Sophie Mutter, Christa Ludwig and Seiji Ozawa, this retrospective chronicles the life and times of the iconic Austrian maestro.

Symphonien Nos. 1 - 9 Gundula Janowitz · Christa Ludwig · Jess Thomas · Walter Berry Chor der Deutschen Oper Berlin Berliner Philharmoniker Herbert von Karajan Directed by: Arne Arnbom, Herbert von Karajan Hugo Niebeling, Hans Joachim Scholz

Documentary on conductor Herbert van Karajan, focusing on his early adoption of audio and video recording technology and his impetus to make use of it to preserve his musical legacy for future generations.

The Symphonies were recorded live with a special recording concept by Herbert von Karajan, and he did not only direct the filming, but also closely followed the editing and mastering of the symphonies. Karajans mid-1970s Tchaikovsky interpret

Released as a memorial for the great Russian cellist Mstislav Rostropovich, who passed away on 27 April 2007, this DVD contains one bonafide cello concerto, the Schumann Cello Concerto in A minor, and two tone poems with prominent cello parts, Ernest Bloch's Schelomo and Richard Strauss' Don Quixote. Rostropovich mastered the Schumann in several famous recordings. Here, conducted by Leonard Bernstein, he provides a splendid performance. Featuring his trademark powerful technique, smooth legato and crisp vibrato, the Romantic roots of the concerto are never hidden for long, despite the relatively cool playing of the Orchestre National de France.

Karajan - Bruckner - Symphonies No. 8 & 9

Herbert von Karajan directs the Berlin Philharmonic in an Italiannate take of Beethoven's Fourth Symphony and an assured rendering of the Fifth, while the "Pastoral" Symphony, conceived and directed by Hugo Niebeling in 1967, is a revolutionary mix of styles - Fantasia meets Expressionism meets film noir.

This set was recorded in the late 1960s to early 1970s. Herbert von Karajan is widely acknowledged to be one of the finest conductors of the 20th century, and around 1970 he was at his peak.

Herbert von Karajan conducts the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra in these 3 great Beethoven symphonies. Gundula Janowitz, Christa Ludwig, Jess Thomas and Walter Berry are featured vocal soloists with the Choir of the Berlin Opera in the 9th Symphony.

World-renowned conductor Herbert Von Karajan directs the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra in this performance of Bach's Violin Concerto No. 2 for a New Year's Eve concert filmed in Berlin in 1984. Together with noted violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter and gifted vocalists Judith Blegen, Helga Muller Molinari, Francisco Araiza and Robert Holl, Karajan and his orchestra present a remarkable performance of Bach's masterwork.

In this program filmed not long before the maestro's death, Herbert von Karajan -- renowned Austrian conductor and longtime music director of the Berlin Philharmonic -- leads his orchestra in works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Richard Strauss. In classic style, Karajan coaxes magnificent performances from his musicians as they play Mozart's Divertimento no. 17 in D Major and Strauss's "Also Sprach Zarathustra," op. 30.

This installment of the Herbert von Karajan: His Legacy series showcases the acclaimed conductor leading the Wiener Philharmonic Orchestra in a 1984 performance of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Symphony no. 5 in E Minor, op. 64. One of the most legendary figures in 20th-century classical music, the Austrian-born von Karajan helmed the Berlin Philharmonic for more than 30 years, from 1955 to 1989.

This installment of the Herbert von Karajan: His Legacy series showcases the acclaimed conductor leading the Wiener Philharmonic Orchestra in a 1984 performance of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Symphony no. 4 in F Minor, op. 36. One of the most legendary figures in 20th-century classical music, the Austrian-born von Karajan helmed the Berlin Philharmonic for more than 30 years, from 1955 to 1989.

This memorable concert marks Herbert von Karajan's final public appearance with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra before his death in 1989 and includes an early performance by piano virtuoso Evgeny Kissin.

The Wiener Philharmoniker, conducted by Herbert Von Karajan, plays the music of Antonin Dvorak - Symphony No. 9 in E Minor.

Famed conductor Herbert Von Karajan leads the Berlin Philharmonic in a performance of what may be Vivaldi's best-known composition -- "The Four Seasons" -- in this sparkling video. Recorded in 1987 at the Chamber Music Hall, this concert features Anne-Sophie Mutter as a guest violin soloist.

Documentary about sixteen great conductors of the 20th century.

Live performance from Salzburger Festspiele in 1987. Herbert von Karajan conducting the Wiener Philharmoniker and Wiener Staatsopernchor. Stage director Michael Hampe. Starring Samuel Ramey and Anna Tomowa-Sintow.

This recording of Karajan's 1987 New Year's Day Concert with the Vienna Philharmonic and the ballet of the Vienna State Opera at the Großer Musikvereinsaal in Vienna features the music of Josef Strauss and Johann Strauss, Jr. With an emphasis on the polka music of these celebrated composers, this exciting concert features acclaimed soprano diva Kathleen Battle performing "Frühlingsstimmen, Op.410", a waltz by Johann Strauss, Jr.

A live performance of Giuseppe Verdi's opera.

World-renowned classical conductor Herber Von Karajan masterfully conducts Antonin Dvorak's "Symphony No. 8" in a live 1985 concert with the Wiener Philharmoniker. The recipient of numerous international honors and awards, Dvorak traveled extensively but remained a modest man of simple tastes, loyal to his Czech nationality.

Conductor Herbert von Karajan spent much of his career exploring the work of Johannes Brahms and in particular his A German Requiem. This 1985 concert, representing the sum of von Karajan's study, features vocalists José van Dam and Kathleen Battle. The performance by the Vienna Philharmonic not only exemplifies the maestro's skill, but also ironically reflects his waning years in its funereal subject matter.

Under the direction of Herbert Von Karajan, the Vienna Philharmonic performs Austrian composer Antonym Dvorak's Symphony No. 9. Dvorak's work was influenced by both European and American folk music, and in his later years by African-American and American Indian music. A favorite for soundtracks, this symphony is instantly recognizable to many. The video includes liner notes and biographies of the performers.

A production of Strauss' opera 'Der Rosenkavalier' performed at the Saltzburg Festival in 1984. Includes the Vienna State Opera Choir, the Philharmonic Orchestra with singers Wilma Lipp, Anna Tomowa-Sintow and Agnes Baltsa. Conducted by Herbert Von Karaja

Premiered in 1806, Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D Major paved the way for three great violin concertos of the 19th and 20th centuries: Brahms, Tchaikovsky, and Sibelius. Extremely expressive and astonishing in it emotional scope, the work nonetheless received an ambivalent response at its premiere. Renowned for his knowledge of Beethoven’s oeuvre, the conductor Herbert von Karajan and the Berliner Philharmoniker are joined by the virtuoso violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter for a masterful performance.

Conductor Herbert Von Karajan leading the Berlin Orchestra through Beethoven's Concerto in D Major for Violin and Orchestra

This installment in the "Karajan Legacy" series captures the acclaimed conductor leading the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra with the Vienna State Opera Chorus and the Sofia National Opera in a masterful performance of Verdi's "Requiem." Filmed in 1984, the concert features an array of renowned soloists, including tenor José Carreras, soprano Anna Tomowa-Sintow, bass-baritone José van Dam, bass Kurt Moll and mezzo-soprano Agnes Baltsa.

The legendary Berlin Philharmonic conductor Herbert von Karajan is chronicled as he conducts two important classical pieces. Music director Von Karajan led the orchestra from 1956 until his death in 1989, creating a legacy of outstanding performances. In 1984, Von Karajan agreed to have a camera crew record a Berlin Philharmonic performance of Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphonies 1 and 8, two of the composer's finest.

Karajan conducts these symphonies with eyes closed, often intently enraptured by the music, smiling occasionally when a passage or solo sounds just right to his ear. He conducts Brahms with a greater sense of urgency than does Bernstein: the First symphony is 11 minutes shorter as conducted by Karajan! Nothing is rushed but there is what can only be described as emotional compression, an intensity of expression that sounds quicker than Bernstein's performances.

Herbert von Karajan was a master of the fine blending of acoustic colours. This quality is shown to its best advantage in this programme of masterpieces of French Impressionism. Works include Debussy’s multifaceted La Mer, and his lascivious, dream-like Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune, and Ravel’s Suite No. 2 from Daphnis et Chloé, a work which combines shimmering transience with uncompromising energy.

Karajan had been appointed music director for life of the Berlin Philharmonic in 1955, and soon the orchestra mastered the entire palette of Karajan's subtly defined phrasings, moods and orchestral colors. At home in the majesty of Bruckner or the raw power of Beethoven, the orchestra was also able to "let go" with Suppé or a Lisztian Hungarian Rhapsody, as the recording illustrates. For the 1978 New Year's Eve concert with the Berlin Philharmonic, Karajan put together a program of exclusively popular classical works, pieces that would guarantee a bubbly good time. Following Verdi's Overture to "La forza del destino" are the two major works of the program, Bizet's Arlésienne Suite No. 2 and Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2. The Hungarian March, or "Rákóczy March," from Berlioz's "La damnation de Faust" never fails to rouse listeners with its instrumentation. The program closes with the Intermezzo from Mascagni's "L'amico Fritz" and the popular Overture to "Leichte Kavallerie" by Suppé.

This 1978 studio production of the prologue to Wagner's masterpiece is the only segment of the famous Salzburg Festival/Metropolitan Opera productions, first seen in the 1960s, that made it to film. Based on one of those original productions, Georges Wakhevitch produced stage settings and transformations that supported Karajan's concept with every possible means. Herbert Von Karajan's staging is in the epic style of another age, emphasizing the dignity of the gods rather than their all too human failings. With the singers - foremost among them Peter Schreier - Karajan had an ensemble that fully conformed to his intentions.

Reveals the life and current (1978) muses of Austrian conductor Herbert von Karajan.

This unique document from the 1978 Salzburg Festival has fortunately been released on DVD and is a magical interpretation, prodigiously realized with a sublime fusion of timbres, a cohesion and ultimately, a simplicity that are truly unequalled. Listen as this great conductor produces musical nuisances that are unique to his art and how he accompanies the soloists with understanding and rapport. I have no hesitation in claiming this is one of the great recordings of the century.

The gypsy Azucena (Fiorenza Cossotto) takes revenge for her mother who was accused of putting a curse on one of the old Count di Luna's two sons: she decides to abduct the younger child and throw it in the flames. But when she is about to carry out this fatal act, the gypsy sacrifices her own child and keeps the old Count’s son, whom she names Manrico (IL TROVATORE, Plácido Domingo). Later, as adults, the troubadour Manrico and the Count di Luna’s elder son (Piero Cappucilli) do not know each other, but become rivals for the beautiful Leonora (Raina Kabaivanska). Manrico succeeds in winning the young woman’s heart, and she sacrifices herself for him, deceiving the Count’s son. Mad with jealousy, the latter orders the execution of the troubadour in front of his mother. Azucena reveals to him that Manrico was his brother. This legendary performance of Giuseppe Verdi's most successful opera was recorded at the Vienna State Opera under the baton of Herbert von Karajan.

The annual New Year’s Eve Concert is one of the highlights in the calendar of every classical music fan in Berlin and beyond. On New Year‘s Eve, the Berliner Philharmoniker invite an exceptional soloist for a festive gala. Together, the musicians bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new. The 1977 concert was conducted by Herbert von Karajan and featured Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 and the Chor der Deutschen Oper Berlin.

Karajan's very best video Beethoven 9th Symphony, recorded December 31, 1977. The Quartet of vocal soloists and Chorus in IV are superb. This is much better than Karajan's 1968 Berlin Philharmonic Beethoven 9 video (DG), filmed in the Philharmonie with no live audience present.

Mirella Freni, Placido Domingo, Christa Ludwig, and Robert Kerns star in this Jean-Pierre Ponnelle-directed version of the Puccini opera, with Herbert von Karajan conducting the Vienna Philharmonic. Madama Butterfly is a staple of the standard operatic repertoire for companies around the world, ranking 7th in the Operabase list of the most-performed operas worldwide.

Herbert von Karajan directed this film of Verdi’s Shakespearan masterpiece as well as conducting the Berlin Philharmonic. As the tragic Moor of Venice, arguably his greatest role, John Vickers (in the words of critic David Cairns) "commands both the notes and the moral grandeur of the part. … And he has the aura of greatness – greatness of heart, of bearing, of musical and dramatic conception". Mirella Freni is a heartbreakingly lovely and fragile Desdemona, while the fine English baritone Peter Glossop plays the villainous Jago.

A concert-film using innovative cinematic techniques to set music to images. As conductor Herbert von Karajan didn't like the experimental style, he had the film re-edited severely before release.

Recording of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Herbert von Karajan playing Beethoven's 8th Symphony.

Recording of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Herbert von Karajan playing Beethoven's 7th Symphony.

Opera's most popular double bill, fondly known as Cav and Pag, conducted by Herbert von Karajan. In 'Cavalleria rusticana', Turiddu returns from military service to find that his fiancée Lola had married the carter Alfio while he was away. In revenge, Turiddu seduces Santuzza, a young woman in the village. In 'Pagliacci', the drama unfolds as Canio (Pagliaccio) struggles with rage, despair, and desire on learning of his wife Nedda's intended infidelity with Silvio. Canio's tragic conflict increasingly mirrors the comedy of Pagliaccio.

Acknowledged to be the finest Karajan recording of this overwhelming sacred masterpiece — “electrifying ... with the Italian chorus and orchestra singing and playing their hearts out ... a his-toric document” (Gramophone). This 1967 performance features four of the 20th century's greatest Verdi singers — Price, Cossotto and Ghiaurov were at the peak of their careers, while the young Pavarotti was still comparatively unknown (though not for long).

Herbert von Karajan conducts La Scala Orchestra and Chorus with soloists Leontyne Price, Fiorenza Cossotto, Luciano Pavarotti, and Nicolai Ghiaurov.

Combining the forces of two of the 20th century's greatest musicians - Yehudi Menuhin and Herbert von Karajan in their only recorded performance together - this magnificent programme marks a high point in filmed classical music, directed by master filmmaker and long-time Karajan collaborator Henri-Georges Clouzot. Herbert von Karajan conducts the Wiener Symphoniker and the Berliner Philharmoniker in performances of Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 5, and Dvorak's Symphony No. 9, filmed in 1966 by film director Henry-Georges Clouzot.

Karajan conducts rehearsal and performance of Schubert's Symphony No. 4 with the Vienna Symphony in Vienna, Nov. 1965, and Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 with the Berlin Philharmonic, January 1966. Henri-Georges Clouzot directs.

In the early 1960s two artistic giants, conductor Herbert von Karajan and director Franco Zeffirelli, joined forces to create this milestone production of Puccini’s masterpiece at Milan’s Teatro alla Scala. Filmed in that legendary opera house in 1965, with Zeffireli himself directing for the cameras, this “Bohème” has been acclaimed universally for its unique theatrical impact and visual splendour. Starring the young Mirella Freni in her carreer-making performance. – For the first time the full dimension of opera on film.

The legendary soprano Elisabeth Schwarzkopf stars in this acclaimed film of Richard Strauss' delightful opera, Der Rosenkavalier. This Salzburg Festival production of Strauss' great work toured the world, and this filmed version was hailed by The New York Times as "Superb." Schwarzkopf performs her signature role as Princess von Werdenberg, an aging beauty involved with a younger man, Octavian. But when Octavian agrees to assist Baron Ochs by delivering the Baron's proposal of marriage to the beautiful young Sophie, the messenger and bride-to-be fall in love with each other!

Herbert von Karajan, who led the Belgian Philharmonic for more than three decades until his death in 1989, conducts this moving June 1985 concert filmed in Rome's breathtaking St. Peter's Basilica. Karajan and the orchestra take on Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's "Coronation Mass," which displays the considerable talents of the composer and of Karajan himself, who managed to tease scores of emotion out of every note.

Austrian maestro Herbert von Karajan conducts the Berlin Philharmonic in this 1984 performance of Tchaikovsky's last completed work -- Symphony no. 6 in B minor ("Pathétique"), op. 74 -- recorded live in Vienna. One of classical music's most revered conductors -- and top-selling recording artists -- Herbert von Karajan led the acclaimed Berlin Philharmonic for 35 years until his death in 1989.