Karajan conducts Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5

Tchaikovsky poured heart and soul into his Fifth Symphony – "with desire and passion", he wrote over the climax of its slow movement – and since its premiere in 1888 it has been one of Tchaikovsky's best-loved masterpieces. With its sweeping, emotionally charged melodies and colourful orchestration, it's a work that thrives on virtuoso playing, and it's hard to imagine a more beautiful performance than this one, recorded by Herbert von Karajan and the Vienna Philharmonic in March 1984. The majestic surroundings of Vienna's Musikverein never fail to create a special atmosphere, but this being Karajan, this lustrous, gorgeously played performance engages both heart and intellect.

Ensemble: 

Wiener Philharmoniker

Conductor: 

Herbert von Karajan