HERE is a terrific video recording of Herbert von Karajan conducting the Vienna Symphony Orchestra in rehearsal. I’m not sure of the date but it is obviously in the 50s or early 60s. The orchestra is working on Schumann’s exquisite and uplifting Symphony No. 4 in D minor. Notice Karajan’s remarkable sensitivity to the subtleties of orchestration and his absolute confidence and authority. The musicians are shockingly and disturbingly all men, as was common not that long ago for professional orchestras. They are also all wearing ties in rehearsal, which I would imagine is uncommon today.

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