Posted by Ara A. on September 07, 19102 at 01:26:44:

In Reply to: Re: A portrait of the legendary conductor - Karajan posted by Warren Malach on September 06, 19102 at 19:28:17:

My education early on in life has thought me to be relatively free (very low but non-zero) of any political propensities... which i am greatful for today. I realize that this is a sensitive issue to some, but i look at the man from purely musical perspective and will tell you why this is so. Being oblivious of vK "life" other than merely a conductor of orchestra, it was through many of his recordings over many years that captivated me and what i now consider, and arguably, the most perceptive musician in the latter half of the 20th century! Yes, he was (is) a controversial figure [and did make mistakes] and there were (are) ill wishers, publications... [such as The Maestro Myth, and a classical music guide with not a single recommendation of him and with added distasteful remarks which comes to mind as few examples]... trashing the man for what they decided he represented because of the political environment at the time (his grunt stauts that never went far anyway), also, part of issue, which i'm certain of, is of vK himself as he was very talented and ambitious... inevitably attracting natural enemies. I am not in defense nor against vK. In essence, his enigma and music has become a natural magnet for me and his transitory political aberrations are and remains impervious to my enjoyment of his music. Bruckner without von Karajan in unthinkable.

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"We all age, and his eagle eye still commanded the BPO even if his movements had slowed down!"
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The BPO was, literally speaking (well...almost) an extension of him.... and i've seen images of the young vK conducting with all that abundant energy...however, it is his later years that are really captivating (to me anyway). -- Ara A.

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• some clarification Ara A. 02:43:57 9/07/102 (0)

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