The New Year´s Concert from the Golden Hall of the Musikverein Vienna with the Wiener Philharmoniker is always one of the best-selling classical albums each year. In 1987 Herbert von Karajan conducted his only performance of the New Year´s Concert performing famous pieces from Johann Strauss I, Johann Strauss II and Josef Strauss. As soloist in one piece you can hear the legendary soprano Kathleen Battle. The New Year´s Eve Concert 1988 was one of the last concerts that Herbert von Karajan gave with the Berliner Philharmoniker in Berlin. For this concert he invited the 17 year old Evgeny Kissin to his debut with the orchestra. After the concert the press did raving reviews about Kissin´s musicality and technical skills and he proves till today that he is one of the best pianists of our time. It was barely half a year after this concert, on July 16, 1989, that Herbert von Karajan passed away. The present recording thus forms an essential document of two highlights in the last years of the maestro’s life. One of many such documents that have made this great conductor immortal.
Teatro alla Scala Ballet Box
FIVE OUTSTANDING BALLETS FROM THE LEGENDARY TEATRO ALLA SCALA: ROMEO AND JULIET: The stars of this masterly performance are Roberto Bolle and Misty Copeland, together for the first time in this ballet. THE SLEEPING BEAUTY: “Timofej Andrijashenko had a great debut with the Désiré of Nureyev. Polina Semionova was an amazing Aurora” (Strata Gemmi) “A great production, a success thanks to a superlative and thrilling ballet company.” (LUUK) DON QUIXOTE: Classical ballet stars Natalia Osipova and Leonid Sarafanov make this a breathtaking distinctive performance. LE CORSAIRE: “The star is the ballet company, in dazzling form” (Il Giorno), “Impeccable” (Informadanza). THE LOVER´S GARDEN: “The creative genius of the choreographer Volpini leaves a strong mark on this new production, confirming the talent.“ (giornaledelladanza.com)