Herbert von Karajan - Karajan in Hollywood (1959) [2010] Hi-Res

Karajan's only ever appearance with the LA Philharmonic

Featuring his only ever performance of music by Charles Ives

Herbert von Karajan opened the LA Philharmonic's 38th Season with this concert at the Hollywood Bowl on 2nd July, 1959. It was the only time he ever conducted the orchestra, and one of only a very small handful of concerts where Karajan conducted an American orchestra.
Adding further to its rarity is the fact that this is the only known performance by Karajan of one of Charles Ives' best known works, The Unanswered Question - indeed, there is no record of Karajan having ever conducted anything else by the composer. It is also interesting to note that no performances of the American national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner, appear in Karajan's official discography and concert performance listings - though the fact that the present performance is also omitted means we cannot be sure that this was the only time he conducted it.

Tracks:

STAFFORD SMITH The Star Spangled Banner
WAGNER Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg - Overture
IVES The Unanswered Question
MOZART Symphony No. 35 'Haffner'
R. STRAUSS Ein Heldenleben

Personnel:

Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra
conductor Herbert von Karajan
David Frisina, Violin
Live radio broadcast from Hollywood Bowl, 2nd July, 1959