The most puzzling thing about Herbert Karajan's life is his Nazi identity. In addition, he was also a world-renowned music conductor. Herbert Karajan was born into a noble family and had no worries about food and clothing since he was a child. He has more resources in music than his peers. Under the deliberate cultivation of his family, he embarked on the path of music through piano. The peak of his conducting career began in Berlin, Germany. It is undeniable that he joined the Nazi Party at that time for his conducting career. Of course, he always directed this with the most pious heart.

Old photos of Karajan

He has been active in the music scene for a long time, has a large number of records and recordings, and his extraordinary influence. Even years after Karajan's death, his music is still admired and performed. As a person who loves music and has a pure heart for music, Karajan joining the Nazi Party can be regarded as a sacrifice that he must make on the way to his dream. He is just a music conductor. National affairs, political struggles, and power conflicts are all helpless actions for him. There is only something he wants to do, something he works hard for, and if it can be obtained through some sacrifice, he will be happy to do it. After all, he loved music and conducting.

That’s the thing. Let others comment on the pros and cons. Objectively speaking, Karajan's joining the Nazis did not affect his achievements in the music industry. Herbert von Karajan left to himself beautiful music, successful operas and his unparalleled status in the conducting circle. Criticism from ignorant and jealous people only made his musical achievements shine brighter. This is Herbert von Karajan, a conductor who was very devoted to music.

The mystery of Karajan’s Nazi identity

Karajan’s life was full of controversy. Some people think he is an opportunist, others think he is a Nazi. Judging from the available information, Karajan was indeed a Nazi, and what is controversial is his motivation for joining the party. As a result, the mystery of Karajan's Nazi identity aroused heated discussion.

Old photos of Karajan

In 1934, Karajan arrived in Berlin and began his conducting career. In his case, he joined the Nazis because he was threatened. Joining the Nazis would keep his band alive while reaping greater benefits. Karajan's friends recalled that Karajan once said that he would do anything as long as it was beneficial to him. According to the existing information about Karajan, some people have different opinions, believing that Karajan did not join the Nazis for the reasons he said, and that he was not threatened by the Nazis. This can be concluded from the time he joined the Nazis. At that time, Hitler had been in power for less than three months, and the developing Nazi Party would not spend too much energy and energy to force a music conductor.

The Nazi Museum also has relevant letters showing that Karajan joined the Nazis twice. If he had been coerced into joining the first time, then joining later would raise suspicion. The Nazis would not coerce a person who had quit to rejoin, so it can be concluded that Karajan joined the Nazis more for his own benefit. So the most puzzling mystery of Karajan's Nazi identity is why he joined the Nazis. Even according to the popular "interest theory" at the time, Karajan did not join the Nazis because of coercion, but more because he wanted to obtain greater benefits. People are still full of doubts. Why did he quit the Nazis before? Now that I have quit, how can I join again? The final answer to the mystery of Karajan's Nazi identity requires further research.

How to evaluate Karajan?

Karjan is a famous Austrian conductor, known as the "Emperor of Conductors". He has led many top teams to perform on the same stage, is keen on directing and recording, and enjoys a high reputation in the music industry. So how to evaluate Karajan?

Old photos of Karajan

This starts from his childhood. Karajan took the stage at the age of four and a half. His brother learned piano earlier than him, but he couldn't tolerate his brother being better than him, so he listened to his brother playing the same piece of music year after year. Two months later, Karajan surpassed his brother's performance level. It can be seen that Karajan is an indomitable and motivated person who is good at setting goals and working tirelessly towards them. So how to evaluate Karajan's personality charm?

After World War II, Karajan was investigated for being a member of the Nazi Party. At that time, he was asked by Art not to leave Vienna for four weeks, and he was given five kilograms of potatoes to help him through life. Later, they met again for dinner. Karajan thanked Art for its help at the time and bought a banknote for Art; after World War II, the Berlin Philharmonic was in crisis. In addition to the problems of the band and staff, the most important thing was that the chief conductor was always absent. At this time, Karajan was not afraid of danger, passed the probation period after many tests, and successfully ascended to the position of chief conductor of the Philharmonic Orchestra. From here, it is not difficult to see that Karajan knows how to be grateful and dares to challenge himself. Finally, his artistic value will be fully realized. How would you evaluate Karajan’s conducting style? He has collaborated with the Karajan Philharmonic Orchestra for many years, conducting works by outstanding composers such as Beethoven and Mozart. It is through these works that Karajan's meticulous and innovative style is fully expressed.

Karajan’s conducting style

Karajan is a famous Austrian conductor and director. He does not compose music himself, and puts all his energy into conducting and playing. He covers a wide range of topics, from the Baroque period to the 20th century, covering famous composers such as Haydn, Schumann, and Berger.

Old photos of Karajan

Karajan’s conducting style also left a deep impression on the world. He recited the music, with big but not intense movements. In addition, Karajan rarely added diegetic sounds to his recordings, and his performance was a combination of accuracy and fantasy. Although Karajan's works cover a wide range, it is undeniable that most of his works were directed by famous German and Austrian composers. He has recorded Beethoven's symphonies, Wagner's plays, Strauss's operas, etc. Karajan's smooth and delicate conducting techniques are perfectly presented in these classic works of art. Karajan's conducting style is very smooth and gorgeous, with thick strings and thick brass, such as Mozart's All Women are representative works of this system.

From 1953 to 1954, Karajan's cooperation with the Berlin Philharmonic gradually increased. Not only did they record Beethoven's repertoire in new ways, but they also participated in concerts together. These performances were well received by music critics of the time. One of the music critics, Allman, once said: It is these works that are not bound by tradition that demonstrate Karajan's conducting style. They are full of originality, without omissions, and can be fully interpreted from the clear pictures. Under the guidance of originality, the Philharmonic Orchestra continues to incorporate new artistic styles and its artistic quality continues to improve.