Performance of Tchaikovsky's masterpiece, Symphony No. 5, by the Berlin Philharmonic. - Title: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5 - Artist: Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra - Conductor: Herbert von Karajan - Record Number: MG 1019 - Manufacturer: Polydor - Language: Japanese Thank you for watching. "Thrilling Lyricism" This is the famous copy written on the jacket obi. How well said. The isolated beauty of the second movement, Andante, is truly thrilling lyricism. I was 16 years old when I first heard it in the winter of 1976. I was deeply moved by its serene, pure white beauty. This is Karajan's ultimate, transcendent performance, recorded in October 1975 at the Philharmonie Hall, just before his hospitalization and surgery. The first horn soloist is Gerd Seifert. It can be said that this is a record of his prime. A swan gliding across the surface of a lake without a ripple. Seifert's masterful technique evokes such an atmosphere. It's a masterpiece. The intimate atmosphere of the third movement's waltz has a somewhat detached, cold beauty. On the other hand, the powerful expression of the outer movements is more crystalline than opulent. I feel a sharper sensation than the usual Karajan. With these recordings from October 1975, the era ended when "the emperor himself was active while enduring pain, while music fans all believed that the maestro was still healthy" before his hospitalization and surgery. Karajan was seriously ill. A major change awaited Karajan after his discharge from the hospital.