Search - Herbert Von Karajan - His Legacy for Home Video: Brahms/Requiem on DVD

Despite a couple flaws, excellent

Alan Anbari | Austin, TX USA | 06/02/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Anyone who is familiar with Karajan's long history with this highly approachable work by Brahms and who appreciates the lifelong study the conductor brought to this masterpiece need not hesitate in acquiring this DVD. This is perhaps not his greatest single reading of the German Requiem, but as a final statement from one facing the inevitability of death, it is a deeply moving document. And, as usual, the performers give their fullest under Karajan's masterful leadership.

Van Dam brings his immaculate technique and thoughtful approach to the text, while Battle shines in her own solo. Both worked closely with Karajan on several projects, and they truly are in sync in their performances here. The orchestra adds the immediately recognizable warmth of the Vienna Philharmonic.

Two complaints: Sony botched the original DVD master and forgot to include subtitles. I notified them of this, and they said it would not be fixed. So despite what the cover may still say, there are NO subtitles, greatly reducing this DVD's user friendliness. (I was tempted to say "usefulness," as an educator.)

Second, the first trumpet simply was not there in the second movement immediately after the words "Aber des Herrn Wort bleibet in Ewigkeit," right before the fugue on "Die Erloeseten des Herrn werden wieder kommen ..." This error in the original sound recording (as issued on CD by DG) was not addressed in the DVD soundtrack either. It is surprising and unfortunate that no one, including Karajan, caught this mistake. As his own video company (Telemondial) made the recording and as he personally supervised the audio and video master, it was ultimately his fault that this important climax was thus undermined.

Were it possible to give 4.5 stars, I would have. But with Sony's mistake and the minor gaffe in the performance, it would be unfair to suggest this production is perfect. Still, it is indeed magical."

DVD Falsely Synchronized

K. Hawthorne | 10/27/2005

(2 out of 5 stars)

"You probably can't get a more perfect version of this requiem, but unfortunately the sound is about 2 seconds ahead of the vision, so the whole DVD is out of sync, which is most annoying when viewing it. I got a headache as a result. Best just to turn off the picture and just listen to it. But the makers of the DVD should have realized this before releasing it!"

Wonderful Brahms Requiem

Tenor man Vic | Ann Arbor | 04/01/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Critics of von Karajan's conducting during his final few years make an unfortunate mistake. He actually demonstrates a maturity that enhances every aspect of this Brahms Requiem, including his selection of soloists, tempos (yeah, I know, tempi), internal choral voicing, and blending of orchestra and voices. His minimalist direction is most welcome. The fugatto that ends Denn wir haben hie keine bleibende Statt is one of the most impressive interplays of a chorus and ascending lower strings that I have ever heard. Von Karajan knows exactly what to do with this score, orchestra and chorus for the benefit of us all."