Ungarische Fantasie · Ungarische Rhapsodien Nr. 4 Und Nr.5 / Ungarische Tänze Nr. 17 · 18 · 19 Und 20

Released in 1977 as part of the Deutsche Grammophon 'Privilege' series, this recording captures a collaboration between the celebrated pianist Shura Cherkassky and the Berliner Philharmoniker under the baton of Herbert von Karajan. The collection serves as a mid-period showcase for the Deutsche Grammophon catalog, focusing on the virtuosic romantic repertoire of Franz Liszt and Johannes Brahms. By reissuing these performances under the budget-friendly Privilege label, the label sought to make high-fidelity classical recordings accessible to a wider post-war audience while maintaining their reputation for pristine technical production.

The album's design follows the minimalist, functional aesthetic established by Deutsche Grammophon during the 1970s, characterized by the iconic yellow border and clear, bold typography. This visual identity was intended to emphasize the prestige of the Berliner Philharmoniker and the gravitas of the conductors involved. Critics of the era generally lauded the technical clarity of the recordings, noting that the partnership between Cherkassky’s nuanced, individualistic playing style and Karajan’s precise, expansive orchestral control provided a definitive interpretation of these Hungarian-inspired works.