Recording Place & Date: Philharmonie Berlin, 31.12.1978
For the 1978 New Year's Eve concert with the Berlin Philharmonic, Karajan put together a program of exclusively popular classical works
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 dazzling instrumentation. The program closes with the Intermezzo from Mascagni's "L'amico Fritz" and the ever-popular Overture to "Leichte Kavallerie" by Franz von Suppé. The present recording superbly illustrates that the orchestra was also able to "let go" and enjoy a rollicking time with Suppé or a Lisztian Hungarian Rhapsody
Additional footage: 60 min. portrait “Impressions about Herbert von Karajan”, featuring Karajan the man and conductor, produced for his 70th birthday. This film by Vojtech Jasny from 1978 shows maestro Karajan not only as a conductor and artist but also as teacher, father, pilot, sailor during his holidays in St.Tropez and gives many professional insights and private impressions. In 5.1 DTS Surround Sound. Total Playing Time: 53 min. + 60 min. (Portrait)
