Ludwig van Beethoven | Missa solemnis D Major, op. 123

Beethoven himself described this as his greatest work and audiences also seem convinced; the Missa Solemnis is one of the most famous masses of all time. The piano begins this work so softly, which is something everyone should hear at least once in their lifetime. It is almost as if Karajan, together with his musicians and singers, are humbly knocking on the shimmering gates of Heaven.

Rossini, Smetana, Sibelius, Josef Strauss | Guillaume Tell – Overture, Vltava Valse triste, Delirium Waltz, The Gypsy Baron – Overture
Modest Mussorgsky | Pictures at an Exhibition

A fireworks show of famous melodies. From the riding music of Tell to the undulating Vltava, all the way to the most renowned setting to music of an exhibition by far. And despite this, you would think you are hearing the music for the first time: the seriousness and, at the same time, the passion with which the music is being played here allows you to re-discover the music like never before.

Anton Bruckner | Symphony No. 9 in D minor
Debussy, Ravel | La Mer, Prélude à l’après midi d’un faune, Daphnis et Chloé – Suite No. 2

Bruckner’s 9th Symphony, just like his 8th, is Karajan’s unofficial ‘trademark’ and gave rise to his most acclaimed performances. Additionally, in the so-called ‘French Programme’, you will enjoy the most important classical pieces of French Impressionism.

Johannes Brahms | Symphony No. 2 D Major, op. 73
Peter Tchaikovsky | Symphony No. 6 in B minor, op. 74 “Pathétique”

Brahms’s 2nd Symphony is full of sumptuous melodies but often with a slight melancholy feel. It was written during a visit to the sunny Austrian province of Carinthia, and ends in a triumphant mood! The first season of Karajan® Cinema Classics will conclude with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in the Golden Hall with Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique, which he considered the keystone of his entire works.