Joseph Haydn: Die Jahreszeiten (The Seasons) – Herbert von Karajan / Berliner Philharmoniker (2CD, EMI Classics)

UPC: 077776922427 

MPN: CMS 7 69224 2 

Brand Name: EMI Classics

Overview

This 2-CD EMI Classics edition of Joseph Haydn’s oratorio Die Jahreszeiten (The Seasons) features the renowned Berliner Philharmoniker conducted by Herbert von Karajan, joined by an exceptional trio of soloists: Gundula Janowitz (soprano), Werner Hollweg (tenor), and Walter Berry (bass).

Recorded in 1973 and digitally remastered in 1988, this performance combines the orchestral grandeur of Karajan’s style with Haydn’s luminous depiction of the four seasons—Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. With radiant choral singing from the Chor der Deutschen Oper Berlin, this recording stands as one of the most majestic and spiritually inspired renditions of Haydn’s late masterpiece.

Product Features

• Format: 2 Compact Discs (Stereo, ADD Digital Remaster)
• Recording Label: EMI Classics
• Catalogue Number: CMS 7 69224 2 (PM 617)
• Recording Year: 1973 (Digital remaster 1988 by EMI Records Ltd.)
• Recording Location: Berlin, Germany
• Audio Quality: Analog-Digital Remaster (ADD)
• Genre: Classical – Oratorio
• Style: Sacred Choral / Classical Vocal
• Country of Manufacture: England / Germany

• Total Duration:

  • CD 1: 79:16 – Der Frühling (Spring) & Der Sommer (Summer)
  • CD 2: 74:00 – Der Herbst (Autumn) & Der Winter (Winter)

Performers

• Hanne: Gundula Janowitz (Soprano)
• Lukas: Werner Hollweg (Tenor)
• Simon: Walter Berry (Bass)

• Chorus: Chor der Deutschen Oper Berlin

  Orchestra: Berliner Philharmoniker
  • Chorus Master: Walter Hagen-Groll
• Conductor: Herbert von Karajan

Interesting Facts

• Karajan’s Only Recording of “The Seasons”: This 1973 performance is Karajan’s definitive reading of Haydn’s oratorio, notable for its majestic pacing and polished orchestral sound.
• Luminous Trio: Janowitz’s angelic soprano, Hollweg’s lyrical tenor, and Berry’s resonant bass form one of the most balanced vocal ensembles ever captured in this work.
• A Study in Musical Painting: Haydn’s The Seasons transforms the natural cycle of the year into a vivid musical tableau of human life, faith, and nature—brought to life through Karajan’s expressive phrasing and control of color.
• EMI Digital Remastering (1988): The ADD remaster reveals new details of the analog master tapes, enhancing warmth, dynamic contrast, and choral brilliance.
• Historic Collaboration: Produced by kind permission of Phonogram International B.V., reflecting cooperation between EMI and Deutsche Grammophon for this rare cross-label release.

Publishers

Published by: EMI Records Ltd., Hayes, Middlesex, England Manufactured by: EMI / Phonogram International B.V. (Berlin collaboration) Digital Remastering: 1988, EMI Records Ltd. Printed in: Germany / Imprimé en Allemagne

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