The HvK picture thread

[darkehmen]

I thought it might be a nice idea to start a thread in which one could post the most memorable images of Karajan. The trouble is, many of the best images are not online, and to make them available, one would have to scan them -- a time-consuming process.

Still, I thought I'd post a few of my own favourites, most of which are from the '70s and '80s -- the period which is most iconic for me. First of all, of course, there's the famous cover of the Beethoven symphony set -- which, I suppose, is the closest to DG's "brand" image of the conductor.

EMI has a brand image of its own -- the one that they're using for the Centenary issues. Although b&w, it's just as commanding an image as the DG picture above.

This, I suppose, is as close to a Sony brand image as I've found. It graced one of the laserdiscs, and appeared on the page at the Sony site which used to list the laserdisc releases.

The Sony discs had many dramatic shots, of which I always found this one most striking, from the Bruckner 8th:

Of course, everyone remembers the Mahler 9th CD cover:

And I've always found this photo, which appeared with the liner notes of a number of CD issues, admirably stern and focussed -- very Prussian, one might say (and as someone of Prussian ancestry, I mean that in the best way).

I first came across the picture that I'm using for my avatar in Gramophone magazine, in the ad that promoted the then-forthcoming release of the digital Missa Solemnis. Very appropriate, I think, given the spiritual nature of that work.

The covers of the digital Beethoven symphonies were all effective, especially the one for the 5th/6th disc, but none appear to be online, apart from this small version of one of the pictures.

And finally, I found this interesting image online, showing the conductor in action. It reminds me of the Bruckner photo above.

I'm curious as to which images define the conductor's persona for others...

[~Linda~]

darkehmen said:

And I've always found this photo, which appeared with the liner notes of a number of CD issues, admirably stern and focussed.

Interestingly Deutsche Grammophon has sometimes used this photograph as a reversed or mirror image! For example, on the Richard Strauss coupling "Metamorphosen / Death and Transfiguration DG 410 892-2

[~Linda~]

This is a particular favourite of mine. It is not the usual type of photograph associated with Karajan but a press photograph from 1983 capturing a different side to the Maestro.

[darkehmen]

admin said:

Interestingly Deutsche Grammophon has sometimes used this photograph as a reversed or mirror image! For example, on the Richard Strauss coupling "Metamorphosen / Death and Transfiguration DG 410 892-2

Truly. Unless I'm mistaken, I believe it's a cropped version of one of the DG covers used to illustrate the late '70s LPs of the Mozart symphonies. They showed Karajan poring over a musical score. Fine photographs, all.

Here's the iconic photo that DG recently used to headline a re-release series called "Karajan Forever":

[~Linda~]

darkehmen said:

Truly.

Yes, here is the transposed image used on DG 410 892-2:

[darkehmen]

Thank you for the contributions. Interesting choices. I have to say, I don't quite see fear in his eyes in the last picture. (I don't know if that was a particularly late image -- wasn't it on the cover of the Respighi disc? Perhaps just the CD.) I read it more as...thoughtfulness, introspection.

I'd say that the first image which you posted is my favourite of your selections as well.

[David]

The following are the two images on which I obtained Karajan’s autograph: -

• The front cover of the programme for the London concert on 6th June 1969, signed (in spite of the melee) as he departed from the Royal Festival Hall.
  

• The inside front cover of the 1972 Tristan and Isolde EMI LP box booklet. I had often thought that this would look wonderful with an autograph as the photograph doesn’t fill the whole page; and I eventually achieved this as Karajan entered the Royal Festival Hall in London on 13th June 1977. This was therefore much more intimate than in 1969 as I remember that there were only 3 or 4 of us waiting. The autograph was therefore not rushed, as was possibly the case in 1969. Karajan rushing! - I hear you say! I think you know what I mean.
  
  
  I can clearly remember noticing that Karajan’s hand started to move to and fro before the pen hit the page - I estimated at about 180 beats per minute; and no doubt this was maintained perfectly until the end of the signature!
  
  The LP sized image currently hangs on the wall in my den and so I see it on most days.
  

[Rosy]

I've some Karajan's photo that I'd like to put after yours, that they are very beautiful.

Who teaches me to send them? Unfortunately I don't have the scanner!
Many photos are on DVD, are also on my computer.

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Thanks

Rosy

[~Linda~]

61rosy said:

Who teaches me to send them? Unfortunately I don't have the scanner!
Many photos are on DVD, are also on my computer.

Rosy

I have just posted the instructions in the "Forum News and Announcements" Board.

Best Wishes

Linda

[Rosy]

This is my contribution photo. Since the photos were on DVD, I don't remember the source. If you want to comment, J take a great pleasure.

Thank you!

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"Beautiful face!"

"Elegant conductor!"

"Der Dirigent"

Nice portrait

"Herr Karajan"

"Nice gesture!"

"Very young conductor"

"Sound engineer!"

"The conductor unmistakable gesture"

Der Dirigent

"The Power of Music"

"The Maestro listen to..."

Der Dirigent

This photo is the one I use more often as desktop background. Surely he's directing the "Allegretto" of the 7th Sym. by Beethoven. Are you not agree?

[Rosy]

Wow!

We have a beautiful photo album, which keep up to date!

Alexander, I like it when you tell of the Maestro with words so affectionate!

The photo that I like a lot more is the first that you have posted. I would call it:

"Portrait of Herbert von Karajan"

Conventional and without a shadow of fantasy....but I like so...and I like also the caption.

[Rosy]

"Der Dirigent" He is very passionate!

"Herbert von Beethoven, H. von Bach, H. von Brahms, H. von Mozart, H.von Wagner, H.von Tchaikovsky!"

"Herbert von Karajan"

...and then...

"Herbert von Karajan, portrait"

"Blu Eyes!"

[Rosy]

I hope that the latest pictures I've provided you like! I use them as a desktop background.

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Alexander, "Blue Eyes" it's for you

Rosy

[Rosy]

Dear Alexander,

Ah! AH! ;D

I'm very happy that the picture " Blue eyes" will be liked!

I recommend you watch the "Messa da Requiem", by G.Verdi, Teatro alla Scala, 1967, Price- Cossotto-Pavarotti-Ghiaruov

After the "Offertorio", there are a series of shots from very-very near of the Maestro, who seem to see an Angel with blue eyes!

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Rosy

[Rosy]

Dear Alexander,

I have no words...they are simply adorable! He has the most expressive and deep look that I've ever seen!