Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

Founded in 1882, the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra - Berliner Philharmoniker in German - is a respected and very high profile German orchestra with a list of well-known chief conductors, including Arthur Nikisch, Wilhelm Furtwängler, Sergiu Celibidache, Herbert von Karajan, Claudio Abbado, Simon Rattle and Kirill Petrenko.

 

A selection of articles about Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

CD Spotlight. Startlingly Fresh and Very American - Patrick Maxwell is impressed by Maurice Abravanel and the Utah Symphony Orchestra's Tchaikovsky. '... impassioned string playing and vibrant conducting.'

Classical music news. Appointments - New (and existing) jobs for members of the international classical music community

Profile. The Self-Assured Conductor - Anett Fodor tells the story of Arthur Nikisch, from his Hungarian roots to international acclaim

CD Spotlight. Overwhelming Performances - Previously unreleased recordings by Jessye Norman, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Unmissable for all opera buffs.'

CD Spotlight. Jack-of-All-Trades - Gerald Fenech listens to recordings by the Danish conductor Emil Reesen. '... full of dash and spirit ...'

CD Spotlight. The Magic of Ballets Russes - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Warner Classics' box set. '... a gem which should be on the shelves of all those interested in the music of the early decades of the twentieth century ...'

CD Spotlight. Positive Dramatic Strength - Gerald Fenech listens to Schubert overtures. 'Performances are wonderfully alive in Schellenberger's hands, and the gloriously melodic music truly sparkles with a youthful exuberance that makes your spirit soar.'

Classical music news - March 2020 Obituaries - Our summary of those the classical music world lost last month

CD Spotlight. Precious Testimony - Historic Bruckner, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... Furtwängler transforms the music into a cosmic glow that lightens the very depths of one's spirit.'

DVD Spotlight. Words of Consolation - Abbado's Brahms German Requiem impresses Howard Smith. '... a front runner in this work.'

CD Spotlight. Top Notch - Magdalena Kozená's Carmen, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... sheer and utter brilliance in every department.'

DVD Spotlight. Balm to the Soul - Anton Bruckner's Symphony No 7, savoured by Robert Anderson. 'Celibidache is in no hurry ...'

CD Spotlight. Gripping Intensity - Simon Rattle's new Bruckner 9, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... polished and vigorous performances ...'

CD Spotlight. A No-nonsense Approach - Orchestral music by Richard Strauss, heard by Robert Anderson. '... not quite the whole story.'

CD Spotlight. Sovereign Advocacy - Haydn, Hummel, Leopold Mozart and Neruda trumpet concertos, recommended by Howard Smith. '... expect nothing but the best ...'

CD Spotlight. Quite Magical - Marin Alsop conducts Dvorák Symphonies, enjoyed by Howard Smith. 'The Baltimores' finale sings and blazes with equal compulsion ...'

Ensemble. Opera in the Arena - Rebecca Schmid listens to Renée Fleming and the Berlin Philharmonic

CD Spotlight. Sterling Playing - Wendy Warner's interpretations of Popper and Piatigorsky, heard by Howard Smith. '... sovereign music-making deserving of the highest accolades.'

Ensemble. Wholly Captivating - Rossini's 'Italian Girl in Algiers' impresses Howard Smith

CD Spotlight. Consistently Solid - Kurt Masur and others conduct Mendelssohn, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... too often short on graciousness, charm or buoyancy.'

CD Spotlight. Eminently Competitive - Mozart works for clarinet, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... Paul Dean demonstrates his exemplary fluency ...'

DVD Spotlight. Insightful Performances - 'Die Walküre' from Provence, experienced by Maria Nockin. 'The cast is excellent.'

Ensemble. Sandals and Yoghurt? - Bach at the Berlin Philharmonie, reviewed by Ciarán McAuley

Ensemble. A Chinese Wunderkind - Nine-year-old Niu Niu's Wigmore Hall début, admired by Malcolm Troup

Ensemble. Magnificent Wagner - Lorin Maazel's orchestral transcription of 'The Ring', enjoyed by Kelly Ferjutz

Profile. A great schooling - Bill Newman talks to Igor Oistrakh as the 50th anniversary of the violinist's UK début approaches