Herbert von Karajan came to epitomise the career of a modern recording artist, embracing new technology to produce one of the great discographies of the second half of the 20th century. Yet the silver fox of the 1980s sonic blockbusters was once the chiselled whiz kid whose propulsive performances saw him succeed Furtwängler as Germany’s most important maestro. This outstanding set is a welcome reminder that for all the prestige of his studio legacy, he never forgot the primary importance of live music-making.

Karajan at the Philharmonie, 1963. All photos © Berliner Philharmoniker

These radio recordings with the Berliner Philharmoniker, the orchestra he helmed for 34 years, were made between 1953 and 1969, with most of them are being released on the orchestra’s inhouse label for the first time. What strikes you from the outset is the sense of occasion captured in these recordings, which thanks to the remarkably disciplined audiences of the day you’d hardly know were made under live concert conditions.

Nowhere is that more evident in the 1953 account of Beethoven’s Eroica that opens the set. Karajan is on monumental form, channelling his inner Furtwängler to...