Drawn from
Herbert von Karajan's numerous recordings with the
Vienna Philharmonic and the
Berlin Philharmonic, Karajan Gold is a two-volume introduction to the famous conductor's work. All the selections are equally famous, so this twofer may be regarded as a greatest-hits album of classical music, with
Karajan providing a consistency of approach that other compilations lack. Whether the tracks are light in nature, as the Radetzky March, the Light Cavalry Overture, and On the Beautiful Blue Danube undoubtedly are, or taken from more serious works, such as Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 or Dvorák's Symphony No. 9, "From the New World," every piece is beloved by classical listeners, and
Karajan's versions are favorites for many.