Herbert von Karajan

5 April 1908 – 16 July 1989

Herbert von Karajan was an Austrian conductor who led the Berlin Philharmonic for over three decades and was one of the most influential and best-selling conductors in classical music history. He was a dominant figure in postwar European musical life and a pioneer of recording and video technology.

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Lived at the same time

Well-documented people whose lives overlapped with Herbert von Karajan.

Life events

Born in Salzburg, Austria
5 April 1908

Herbert von Karajan was born in Salzburg, Austria.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
Studied at the Vienna Academy of Music
1926

Karajan trained in conducting and piano at the Vienna Academy of Music.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Joined the Nazi Party
1933

Karajan became a member of the Nazi Party, a fact that shadowed his early career and postwar denazification.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Became music director in Aachen
1935

Karajan was appointed Generalmusikdirektor at Aachen, becoming the youngest holder of the post in Germany.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Appointed conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic
1955 – 1989

Karajan became principal conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic, a post he held for life.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Became director of the Vienna State Opera
1957 – 1964

Karajan simultaneously led the Vienna State Opera during a period of great postwar influence.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Founded the Salzburg Easter Festival
1967

Karajan established the Salzburg Easter Festival as a showcase for the Berlin Philharmonic in opera.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Resigned from the Berlin Philharmonic
April 1989

After disputes with the orchestra, Karajan resigned his lifelong post months before his death.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died in Anif, Austria
16 July 1989

Karajan died of heart failure at his home in Anif, near Salzburg.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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