john
Senior Member
Posts: 119
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Post by john on Aug 16, 2008 22:44:33 GMT 1
Hello everyone I have just returned from a five day trip to Salzburg, I went with my Mother who is 84, this is the 4th time I have visited this wonderful place. I was keen to locate the new Karajan Institute, I had been informed by a friend that it was drab and disappointing, it is. Attached is a photo of the outside signs and one of the building which is occupied by several other small organisations, I did not go inside as it was closed, however I understand that there is no shop and that the 2 staff are not very helpful. www.karajan.co.uk/hvkforum/John-Karajan Institute.jpg[/img] www.karajan.co.uk/hvkforum/John-Karajan - 001.jpg[/img] The following photo was taken in an Italian restaurant, this print of Karajan was hanging on one of the walls. www.karajan.co.uk/hvkforum/John-Karajan - 002.jpg[/img] The following 2 photo's were taken after I spotted these 2 prints in a shop window, they appear to be advertising an exhibition. www.karajan.co.uk/hvkforum/John-Karajan - 003.jpg[/img] www.karajan.co.uk/hvkforum/John-Karajan - 004.jpg[/img] The next picture is one a bust of Karajan that stands in the Foyer of the Festival Hall in Salzburg. www.karajan.co.uk/hvkforum/John-Karajan - 005.jpg[/img] The following photo is my Mother and I during the interval of a performance of Verdi's Otello with the Vienna Philharmonic conducted by Ricardo Muti, the musical performance was very good, however the production was in my opinion 'cheap' with the singers only average. Unfortunately this appears to be the norm these days, poor quality for very, very high prices. www.karajan.co.uk/hvkforum/John-Salzburg 2008 001.jpg[/img] The next photo you may have seen before but this time it is taken from a different angle, it is a statue of Karajan outside were he was born. www.karajan.co.uk/hvkforum/John-Salzburg 2008 002.jpg[/img] The next photo you have probably seen before, it is at the entrance to the church in Anif where Karajan is buried. www.karajan.co.uk/hvkforum/John-Salzburg 2008 003.jpg[/img] The final photo is for the most disappointing, I visited the grave 4 years ago and decided to go back to show my Mother. There are 50-70 other graves in the Church gardens and without exception they are wonderfully kept all with colourful flowers etc. The Karajan grave to my dismay was drab, the Ivy was overgrown, flowers were wilting or dead and generally it was a sad sight. I can't imagine why the church keepers or indeed the Karajan family would allow this to happen, perhaps only they know. However, I took the liberty of placing a framed photo of the Maestro at the front of the grave (you can see it in the photo) on behalf of all the Forum members, I hope you don't mind. John www.karajan.co.uk/hvkforum/John-Salzburg 2008 004.jpg[/img]
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Dave
Junior Member
Posts: 29
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Post by Dave on Aug 16, 2008 23:33:14 GMT 1
John, many thanks for posting those. It's always nice to see HvK pictures from Salzburg, because he tends to pop up in so many different places! I am going there myself in a month or so, though I very much doubt I'll be able to drag my non-musical friends to Anif. Maybe I'll just grab the bus or something
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Rosy
Senior Member
Posts: 540
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Post by Rosy on Aug 17, 2008 9:43:35 GMT 1
Dear John, Thank for the images, for the information, unfortunately, extremely disappointing; respect to "Eliette & Herbert von Karajan Institut", for us it was known, however, to see with our own eyes is quite different. The disheartening condition of his tomb has brought me a sharp pain. In every part of the world, there are tributes to the Maestro, the record companies do without truce re-re-re-editions more or less sophisticated, knowing that they are a safe gain. *** *** *** *** But them, the Maestro rests in peace; why isn't there a sign of love for him? Where will we find the courage to use his musical home audio-video legacy, to organise concert in his tribute? Where is his family, where are his compatriots, his admirers, his colleagues, Orchestras representatives? In the thread started by me " 16 July: 19 years ago, the Maestro left us...", David showed us a beautiful picture of 2003 with a floreal tribute from BPO, where is written: "In Stetem Gedenken" ( in constant remembrance) Die Berliner Philharmoniker... Dear John, thank you with all my heart for the significant gesture on behalf of us all karajan Forum's members! *** *** *** *** I would also wanted to go to Salzburger Festspiele for the execution of Ein Deutsches Requiem, conducted by Riccardo Muti, for the first time. Maybe we would have encountered, first happy in Salzburg, then dismayed to Anif to pray before the grave "forgotten", were rests the Maestro who wanted to make happy people with Music*** *** *** *** Thank you , Maestro, we love you with a little bit of selfishness! Rosy
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Post by ~Linda~ on Aug 17, 2008 11:47:59 GMT 1
Hello John
Thank you so much for posting about your trip to Salzburg.
Like you and Rosy I think it is appalling the way the grave has been kept, particularly in the Centenary year! Also, I would have thought that there would have been some floral tributes commemorating the 100th anniversary of his birth.
Linda
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David
Senior Member
Autograph - obtained by me on 13th June 1977 at the Royal Festival Hall in London
Posts: 100
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Post by David on Aug 17, 2008 12:31:02 GMT 1
John,
Thanks from me also for displaying the shots of your recent trip and of the Institut etc.
I totally agree with you when you describe the appearance of the Grave as being disappointing. However I would personally wish to take this one stage further and describe the climbing ivy on the Cross as being a total disgrace, giving the impression of neglect and disinterest. Although I think that ivy can look attractive when used in a controlled context, its appearance on the Grave gives, in my opinion, the impression of an invasive weed.
Thank you also for placing the small photograph - a nice touch.
Yes Rosy, it is all very disappointing and disheartening. Once again thank you for your powerful and moving words.
Regards - David
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Rosy
Senior Member
Posts: 540
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Post by Rosy on Aug 17, 2008 12:36:12 GMT 1
Hello Linda! You've read my thoughts! How can we do? John showed us a reality that we cannot accept, particularly in the Centenary Year, as pointed out Linda. I would like very much that on his tomb there is an our floral thoughts; It's a way to thank him and to demostrate our Love. ( He knows!)*** *** *** *** Rosy
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lee
Senior Member
Posts: 187
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Post by lee on Aug 17, 2008 13:13:36 GMT 1
Hi John
I hope you are well and that you and your Mother had an enjoyable trip in spite of some disappointments.
Along with Linda, David, Rosy and Dave, I share your dismay at the apparent neglect of HvK's grave. It's also a surprise - after all, it cannot be for lack of funds nor for any particular reason, as it is the Maestro's Centenary Year and as the Karajan Institute website makes quite clear, sales are up.
That said, thank you for placing the picure on the grave on behalf of us all - a wonderful gesture and a most excellent choice of photo.
Lee
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Post by jhgaulard on Aug 17, 2008 17:52:17 GMT 1
Hi John, very moving souvenirs from your trip, great pictures -- it was very nice of you to share this with forum members: a big thank you!
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john
Senior Member
Posts: 119
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Post by john on Aug 18, 2008 23:34:54 GMT 1
Thanks to all the members for their very kind comments regarding my trip to Salzburg.
I am tempted to write directly to Eliete Von Karajan in Anif as I feel strongly about the lack of respect for the grave, if others feel the same then we should all do it. E-mailing the institute is a waste of time.
On a separate note, I forgot to say that I wanted to purchase the 5 Euro commemorative Karajan 2008 coin whilst I was in Salzburg, I ask in the main Post Office, the Post Office in Anif and a major Bank in Salzburg, not one of them had even heard of the coin, I must now pay an extra fee to obtain it from e-bay.
John
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john
Senior Member
Posts: 119
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Post by john on Aug 18, 2008 23:40:48 GMT 1
Dave
It might be worth a visit just to check it out.
If you have not been before catch the number 25 bus at the Mirabell Platz in Salzburg to Anif, (2 euros) get of 2 stops after the main Hellbrun Palace stop, the Church is across the road behind the Hotel.
Have a good trip.
John
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Rosy
Senior Member
Posts: 540
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Post by Rosy on Aug 19, 2008 18:18:07 GMT 1
I am tempted to write directly to Eliete Von Karajan in Anif as I feel strongly about the lack of respect for the grave, if others feel the same then we should all do it. E-mailing the institute is a waste of time John Hello John, I've your same feelings, and J like to do something to remedy the total lack of respect. Is it possible that nobody think to remove the weeds and fix the ivy climbing short? A little decorum, which is due to each person who has left this earth!E-mail to the institute: already done so; useless, no one answered! It's very painful to note that if there isn't gain, there is no thought. *** Rosy
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Dave
Junior Member
Posts: 29
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Post by Dave on Aug 19, 2008 21:17:49 GMT 1
John,
Thanks for the transport tips. I don't know my way around yet, so that's very helpful. Good idea to write a letter. I personally think it's disgraceful that writing to the Institute is known to be a waste of time. If it's not there for this sort of thing, just what is it supposed to do?
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Rosy
Senior Member
Posts: 540
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Post by Rosy on Aug 19, 2008 22:33:36 GMT 1
John, Good idea to write a letter. I personally think it's disgraceful that writing to the Institute is known to be a waste of time. If it's not there for this sort of thing, just what is it supposed to do? Dear Dave, the idea of the letter is good, but we must consider two things: 1) the Artist doesn't belong only to his family, but the whole world!. 2) Elliette might have difficulties to del with these delicate things. We can hurt her and not solve anything. I would have thought a small thing to make the place where the Maestro rests more decent. Yes, Dave, I assure you, that to write to "Elliette und Herbert von Karjan Institut", is useless. Very sad. °°° °°° °°° °°° Even I want to go to Anif! Ciao Dave! Rosy
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Rosy
Senior Member
Posts: 540
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Post by Rosy on Aug 20, 2008 17:57:21 GMT 1
John, If it's not there for this sort of thing, just what is it supposed to do? Thanks, Dave, for give me the opportunity to write something that I believe important. The question you raise is right. It's painful to note that the Foudation wanted by Karajan, has been reduced to a facade! I'd like to know that has happened to the medical research on the study of the benefits that the music can cause against certain deseases. Herbert von Karajan, surgeon's son, was very sensitive to what concerns the health and well-being. _______________ The Eliette und Herbert von Karajan Institut, as we've seen, included several initiatives, for example promoted young talent in music, then there is/was a Centrum where it was possible ( by appointment ), listen to music, in acoustically favorable enviroments, or where it is/was possible to buy like any store music. The Centrum has been moved from Wien to Salzburg. At 19 years after Karajan's death, we must say that it's wasted time writing at the Institut for any information! It's very sad! I hope to have judged the wrong way! Rosy
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Post by leporello on Aug 30, 2008 14:52:21 GMT 1
John, your effort to post the photographs is much appreciated.
For me, brings back fond memories of several years ago, when I was able to attend the Salzburg Festival.
Sad to see the neglected state of the grave.. One would think the City of Salzburg authorities would be more thoughtful and attentive of the last home of one of their greatest sons..
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