Sony have an interest in maintaining Karajan’s grave
OrchestrasIt was pleasing to find that the parish authorities in Anif were prompted to finish months of slow restoration work on the grave of Herbert von Karajan just in time for the Easter holidays.
Less known is the proximity to Karajan’s grave of the former Sony chairman Norio Ohga, who was visiting the conductor at the time of his death and considered himself a close friend.
Sony will doubtless be keeping an eye on further maintenance work at Anif.
pictured: Ohga conducting
Not having all the facts I can only surmise: It seems a pity that with close family living in town, with all the money in the area, with Karajan’s close connection to the local festival, with all the people that pushed and shoved to be seen with him during is lifetime – that there isn’t enough focus, personal will, pride and gratitude, and under 1000 Euros to keep a grave looking decent throughout the year. Even Anif as a town has enough cash to do this… especially if they signposted the grave for the legions of music tourists passing through this area.
Who in the classical world nowadays is friends with Tim Cook? Daniel Ek? Anybody who is anybody in the world of music and technology?
Nobody?
(and no, the 1.5 seconds that Dudamel appeared in the Superbowl or the desperate attempts to gain airtime and be relevant are sad to watch)
Only person that comes anywhere close is John Williams.
Let that sink in….
That‘s totally fine.
Nobody knew Josquin des Préz 500 years ago. Today he is relevant and remembered. The street singers of those days are not.
That‘s how high art rolls. It‘s from a few, for a few (more).
Who wants to be „relevant“ with the unwashed masses anyway?
The only reason why Josquin is known anywhere outside of Paris is because of the french empire.
In 500 years whichever ruling superpower (likely India or China) will make sure to aggrandize their culture regardless of intrinsic quality.
You’ve been lied to. What a coincidence : the world’s superpowers just “happened” to have the “best” artists. No chance it was the other way around, that superpowers get to name who is “good”. Nah that doesn’t happen, music is a perfect meritocracy. That’s why Michael Barenboim records for Deutsche Gramophon, he clearly is better than thousands of other violinists….
(insert clown emoji)
Enlighten me: when was the last time Italy was a superpower? Yet, somehow, Italian music seems to survive…
Bravo.
Karajan was a very wealthy man and his estate would presumably have the means to ensure his grave was appropriately maintained – no assistance from other parties needed.
I’m a little surprised that there isn’t a mausoleum there.
Herbert von Karajan’s monument is actually his massive recorded legacy.
Most likely because he wanted a simple grave himself. He could be quite the monk when it came to his bodily or physical needs. He didn’t believe his spirit would live in his grave anyway.
I think he let instructions to be buried the most simple way and , as Abbado, to be as modest in death they had been radiant in life..
They have a church tax levied in Austria, otherwise they will refuse to hatch, match or dispatch you. Given that, the Karajan Foundation alone is awash with money.