This comprehensive 10-CD box set features a selection of legendary recordings by Germany's greatest conductors from the years between 1961 and 1991. The term “Kapellmeister” stands for many years of close cooperation between orchestra and conductor resulting in blind musical understanding and compelling musical persuasion.

The recordings with Herbert Blomstedt date from the era in which he was principal conductor of the Staatskapelle Dresden (1975 to 1985). With the tradition-steeped orchestra, he cultivated the great classical-romantic works in groundbreaking interpretations.

Herbert Kegel conducted the Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra from 1958 to 1978. The focus of his collaboration with the orchestra was on modern music. He was considered one of the most important Orff specialists, and he championed music that was frowned upon or banned in the GDR.

Otmar Suitner joined the Staatskapelle Dresden in the early sixties, and subsequently held the position of GMD at the Berlin State Opera “Unter den Linden”. In addition to opera, the great symphonies were also cultivated.

Kurt Sanderling conducted the Berlin Symphony Orchestra (now the Konzerthausorchester Berlin) from 1960 to 1977, and in parallel the Staatskapelle Dresden from 1964-67. He was especially committed to the music of Gustav Mahler, Jean Sibelius, and Dimitri Shostakovich, a good friend of his for many years.

Kurt Masur was Gewandhauskapellmeister from 1970 to 1997 and in this capacity was involved in the construction of the third Gewandhaus, which opened in 1981. In the classical-romantic repertoire he turned his special attention to Mendelssohn.