Herbert von Karajan: The Greatest Hits

Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

AllMusic Rating
User Ratings (0)
Your Rating

Herbert von Karajan: The Greatest Hits Review

by Blair Sanderson

Throughout his long career as the world's most famous conductor, Herbert von Karajan recorded much of the standard orchestral repertoire for Deutsche Grammophon, in some cases multiple times. It's easy to see how his massive discography lends itself to compilations of popular classics, of which Herbert von Karajan: The Greatest Hits is but one of many. Featuring recordings of the best-known classical pieces performed by the Berlin Philharmonic -- Karajan's principle orchestra for over three decades -- this collection touches on the essentials in 21 tracks. Listeners well-acquainted with classical music will recognize every selection, and many casual fans will be able to identify such favorites as Pachelbel's Canon, Albinoni's Adagio, the opening fanfare of Strauss' Also sprach Zarathustra (better known as the theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey), Sibelius' Finlandia, Tchaikovsky's "Waltz of the Flowers" from the Nutcracker, and others that have been perennial favorites for many years. This double-disc package serves as an introduction to Karajan's catalog and should encourage beginners to explore other, more substantial albums by this important 20th century maestro.

Track Listing - Disc 1

	Title/Composer	Performer	Time
The Planets, Op. 32
1	4. Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity Gustav Holst	Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra	07:32
2	Finlandia, Op. 26 Jean Sibelius	Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra	09:25
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46
3	1. Morning mood Edvard Grieg	Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra	04:07
Hungarian Dances
4	No.5 in G minor Johannes Brahms	Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra	02:35
Carmen
5	Act 1. Prélude Georges Bizet	Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra	02:15
6	Light Cavalry Overture Franz von Suppé	Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra	07:39
Cavalleria rusticana
7	Intermezzo sinfonico Pietro Mascagni	Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra	03:36
Prince Igor
8	Polovtsian Dances Alexander Borodin	Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra	11:51
Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a
9	3. Waltz of the Flowers Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky	Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra	06:58
10	Vltava (The Moldau) Bedřich Smetana	Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra	12:21
Orphée aux enfers
11	Overture Jacques Offenbach	Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra	09:40

Track Listing - Disc 2

	Title/Composer	Performer	Time	Stream
Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30
1	Prelude Richard Strauss	Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra	01:42
Die Walküre
2	Ride of the Valkyries: Hojojojo! Richard Wagner	Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra	02:37	Amazon
3	Dance of the Hours (from La Gioconda) Amilcare Ponchielli	Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra	10:26
La traviata
4	Act 1. Prelude Giuseppe Verdi	Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra	04:08
5	Meditation from Thaïs Jules Massenet	Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra	06:04
Divertimento in D, K. 334
6	3. Menuetto - Trio - Menuetto Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart	Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra	05:20
7	Canon in D major Johann Pachelbel	Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra	05:10
8	Adagio for Strings and Organ in G minor Tomaso Albinoni	Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra	11:48
9	An der schönen blauen Donau, Op. 314 Johann Strauss II	Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra	11:45
10	Boléro Maurice Ravel	Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra	15:50