The Philharmonic orchestra of Berlin (in) account among the symphony orchestras most famous in the world.

History

The orchestra is founded in 1882 by fifty four musicians defectors of the orchestra directed by Benjamin Bilse. The first years are difficult and the orchestra misses several times disappearing. In 1887, Hermann Wolf becomes the agent and engages about it the leader Hans von Bülow, one of the best rods of the time. Consequently, the orchestra quickly becomes famous. It is directed during the following years per many prestigious invited chiefs, among whom Hans Richter, Felix Weingartner, Richard Strauss, Gustav Mahler, Johannes Brahms and Edvard Grieg.

In 1895, Arthur Nikisch becomes the permanent chief about it. Wilhelm Furtwängler succeeds to him in 1923. The orchestra continues to occur during the Second world war, and after the end of the hostilities, is directed during three months by Leo Borchard. Following its brutal disappearance in August 1945, Sergiu Celibidache replaces it. Furtwängler returns to direct the whole in 1947, in joint management with Celibidache until in 1952, then like first chief, until his death in 1954.

Its successor is charismatic the Herbert von Karajan, elected chief with life in 1955, and which will remain with the head of the orchestra lasting thirty-four years. It leaves its station a few months only before its death in 1989. During this period, the orchestra carries out many recordings and turned and acquires a considerable media fame. In 1963, it settles with the Philharmonie of Berlin, conceived for him by the architect Hans Scharoun. The large auditorium is regarded as an acoustic model of perfection. Claudio Abbado takes then the direction of the orchestra, and more largely opens the programs, which hitherto privileged traditional works and romantic, with contemporary creation.

Since 2002, Simon Rattle, a British leader, is with the head of the unit. Under its direction, the orchestra became independent of any governmental supervision.

Musical direction

• Hans von Bülow (1887-1895)
• Arthur Nikisch (1895-1922)
• Wilhelm Furtwängler (1922-1944)
• Leo Borchard (1945)
• Sergiu Celibidache (1945-1952)
• Wilhelm Furtwängler (1952-1954)
• Herbert von Karajan (1955-1989)
• Claudio Abbado (1989-2002)
• Simon Rattle (since 2002)

See too

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