Karajan played an important role in the development of the original compact disc digital audio format. He championed this new consumer playback technology, lent his prestige to it, and appeared at the first press conference announcing the format. Early CD prototypes had a play time limited to sixty minutes. It is often asserted that the decision to extend the maximum playing time of the compact disc to its standard of seventy-four minutes was achieved in order to adequately accommodate Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. This, however, is denied by Kees Immink, who co-invented the CD.
As was the case with soprano Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Karajan's membership in the Nazi Party and prominent cultural association with Nazism from 1933 to 1945 cast him in an uncomplimentary light after the war. While Karajan's defenders have argued that he joined the Nazis only to advance his own career, his critics have pointed out that other great conductors such as Bruno Walter, Erich Kleiber and Arturo Toscanini fled from fascist Europe at the time. It should be noted, however, that many famous conductors worked in Germany throughout the war years, including Furtwängler, Ansermet, Schuricht, Böhm, Knappertsbusch, Clemens Krauss, Rother and Elmendorff. Additionally, careerism could not have been Karajan's sole motivation, since he first joined the Nazi Party in 1933 in Salzburg, Austria, five years before the Anschluss. In The Cultural Cold War, published in Britain as Who Paid the Piper?, her book on CIA cultural policy in postwar Europe, Frances Stonor Saunders noted that Karajan "had been a party member since 1933, and never hesitated to open his concerts with the Nazi favourite 'Horst Wessel Lied.'" Additionally and in contradistinction to Wilhelm Furtwängler, Karajan had no objections to conducting in occupied Europe. Musicians such as Isaac Stern and Itzhak Perlman refused to play in concerts with Karajan because of his Nazi past. Some have questioned whether Karajan was committed to the Nazi cause given the fact of his marriage in 1942 to Anita Guetermann, a woman of clear Jewish origin, but it is only from that point that Karajan's star within the government dimmed.
Von Karajan has often been criticized for a performance that was too polished, especially in later years. "...[He] opted instead for an all-purpose, highly refined, lacquered, calculatedly voluptuous sound..." (Harvey Sachs). However, there is widespread agreement that Herbert von Karajan had a special gift for extracting beautiful sounds from an orchestra.
Classical, Baroque, Opera, Romantic, Philharmonic
Beethoven Symphonies Nos. 4, 7
Méditation
Herbert von Karajan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From the dark side of London, that's way beyond the pale
My grandpa came from Russia, stowed away hidden in some bales
He took my grandma dancing to the air raid sirens whail
Then Saint George used his sword on the immigrant poor 'cause he can't kill no dragon
If I was in those shoes, I'd say Soweto's gonna happen here too
I gotta get a message through, tell everybody the news
Crossing all the borders through the smoke of war and rain
Papers out of order on a military train
A coat, a bag, a baby, status - refugee
These are the people of my family
Don't anybody know that this city was made of immigrant blood and money
If I was in those shoes a blackshirt with the playboy blues
I gotta get a message through, tell everybody the news
And with the winter coming
Now there's a rocker in Vladivostok, got every side by Jerry Lee
But for accidents of disorder that guy could well be me
I want everybody to know this, I want everyone to hear
Immigration built the nation, you got a bloodclaat standing here
Now Saint George used his sword on the immigrant poor 'cause he can't kill no dragon
If I was in those shoes I'd say Soweto's gonna happen here too
I gotta get a message through, tell everybody the news
And with the winter coming...
Don't anybody know that the city was made of immigrant blood and money
If I was in those shoes, a blackshirt with the playboy blues
I gotta get a message through, tell everybody the news
And with the winter coming...
These lyrics delve into themes of immigration, identity, and the historical experiences of immigrants. The artist reflects on their own heritage and family history, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the contributions and struggles of immigrants in building the city and nation. The singer highlights the story of their grandparents, who came from Russia and faced challenges but still found joy in the midst of air raids. The references to Saint George evoke a sense of historical discrimination and violence against immigrants. The artist suggests that if they were in those shoes, they would recognize the potential for similar injustices to occur in their current time and place.
The lyrics also touch upon the idea of the immigrant experience in a more contemporary context. The reference to crossing borders in the smoke of war and rain alludes to the difficulties and dangers faced by refugees. The image of a coat, a bag, and a baby symbolize the struggles and vulnerability of those forced to flee their homes. The chorus emphasizes the role of immigration in shaping the city, emphasizing the need to acknowledge this history.
Overall, the song seeks to raise awareness about the often overlooked contributions of immigrants and the challenges they face. It encourages listeners to recognize the shared humanity and interconnectedness among people of different backgrounds. The artist aims to get a message through, to tell everybody the news and remind them of the importance of understanding the immigrant experience, especially during times of hardship.
Line by Line Meaning
If you don't know where I come from, better stear clear of my trail
If you are unaware of my origins, it is advisable to avoid getting involved with me.
From the dark side of London, that's way beyond the pale
My background is from the less reputable and morally questionable parts of London.
My grandpa came from Russia, stowed away hidden in some bales
My grandfather immigrated from Russia by hiding himself in bundles of goods.
He took my grandma dancing to the air raid sirens whail
During air raids, my grandfather would take my grandmother to dance, disregarding the danger.
Then Saint George used his sword on the immigrant poor 'cause he can't kill no dragon
Saint George resorted to violence against impoverished immigrants as he lacked the ability to slay a mythical dragon.
If I was in those shoes, I'd say Soweto's gonna happen here too
If I were in their position, I would predict that a similar situation like Soweto would occur here as well.
I gotta get a message through, tell everybody the news
It is crucial for me to communicate a message and share the information with everyone.
And with the winter coming
Additionally, as winter approaches...
Crossing all the borders through the smoke of war and rain
Moving across borders amidst the chaos of war and rainfall.
Papers out of order on a military train
Official documents are disorganized or misplaced on a train used for military purposes.
A coat, a bag, a baby, status - refugee
A refugee is identified by their possession of only a coat, a bag, and a baby.
These are the people of my family
These individuals constitute my family.
Don't anybody know that this city was made of immigrant blood and money
It seems that nobody acknowledges the fact that this city was constructed through the efforts and contributions of immigrants.
If I was in those shoes a blackshirt with the playboy blues
If I were in their situation, I would become a member of a political group known as blackshirts, but with a sense of dissatisfaction and regret.
Now there's a rocker in Vladivostok, got every side by Jerry Lee
Currently, there is a musician in Vladivostok who possesses great talent and charisma, much like Jerry Lee Lewis.
But for accidents of disorder that guy could well be me
If circumstances were different and chaos had intervened, that individual could easily be me.
I want everybody to know this, I want everyone to hear
I desire for every person to be aware of and acknowledge this truth.
Immigration built the nation, you got a bloodclaat standing here
The nation was constructed through immigration, and I, a strong and resilient individual, stand here before you.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JOHN MELLOR PKA JOE STRUMMER, MICK JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind