Klarinet Archive - Posting 000282.txt from 2000/01

From: "Gene Nibbelin" <gnibbelin@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Von Karajan/Berlin Philharmonic Beethoven Symphony CD
Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2000 00:20:44 -0500

This is a question for our older professionals:

What was Von Karajan's instrument before he became a conductor, other than
piano, which I assume he played?

My reason for asking is that I have been listening closely to the Beethoven
2nd and 4th and studying the clarinet part. I don't know what dynamic
markings that Beethoven left us, but it seems to me that the woodwinds were
playing ppp most of the time. In some of the solo passages, I wondered if
Herbert had them off-stage somewhere. Did he hate woodwinds?

The strings and brass seemed under very little restraint, and judging by the
overpowering volume (ham-handedness) of the timpani made me wonder what
secret the timpanist knew that old Herbert didn't want spread around.

Seriously, how was Von Karajan regarded by the musicians who had played
under him and by the professional symphony players in general and critics?

Fortunately, I have several other sets of the Beethoven Symphonies,
including Toscanini/NBC Orchestra live concert recordings of the early 50's.
They are, of course mono, and not the highest of fidelity, but what
beautiful music by the Maestro.

Thanks for any Von Karajan opinions and stories.

Gene Nibbelin

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