Johann Sebastian Bach - Mass in B Minor (Herbert von Karajan)

Information

Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach

• Mass in B Minor, BWV 232

Elisabeth Schwarzkopf

Marga Höffgen

Nicolai Gedda

Heinz Rehfuss

Kathleen Ferrier

Singverein & Orchester der Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde

Philharmonia Orchestra

Wiener Symphoniker

Herbert von Karajan, conductor

Date: 1954 / 2026

Label: Warner Classics 

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This unusual production of Verdi's Messa da Requiem was recorded in both London and Vienna under conductor Herbert von Karajan and producer Walter Legge. Seeking the exceptional sound of the Vienna Singverein for the monumental choral sections, EMI paired the ensemble with the Wiener Symphoniker at the Musikverein. Meanwhile, the arias and duets were captured separately at Abbey Road with the Philharmonia Orchestra. Despite being recorded in two distinct locations with different orchestras, this composite method created a remarkably cohesive masterpiece, further distinguished by stellar performances from legendary soloists, including soprano Elisabeth Schwarzkopf and tenor Nicolai Gedda.

Herbert von Karajan was born in Salzburg on 5 April 1908. Initially a gifted pianist, he turned to conducting at the encouragement of Bernard Paumgartner and studied with Franz Schalk in Vienna. He began his professional career in 1929 at the Ulm Opera, later becoming music director in Aachen and joining the Berlin State Opera in 1938. After the war, he recorded with the Vienna Philharmonic under producer Walter Legge and led London’s Philharmonia Orchestra. In 1955 he succeeded Wilhelm Furtwängler as director of the Berlin Philharmonic and later directed the Vienna State Opera. Internationally renowned for his recordings and technological innovation, Karajan died in 1989.