Herbert Von Karajan: A Portrait  (1999)

Theatrical Release Information:
Herbert Von Karajan: A Portrait

This documentary is a profile of the Austrian conductor Herbert von Karajan. Born on April 5, 1908, von Karajan studied music in Vienna, and became conductor of the opera house in Ulm. He retained his passion for operatic music throughout his career, but is best known for being conductor for life of the Berlin Philharmonic. Von Karajan was a politically controversial figure, having ties with the Nazi party. After the war, an Allied commission cleared him of charges of political collaboration with the Nazis. Interviews with historians provide the latest information on this subject. The film presents excerpts from some of von Karajan's outstanding renditions of Beethoven, Wagner, Bruckner, and Strauss. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide