The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra has not only seen and carried its share of the eventful history of its home town. Being one of the world's most important concert orchestras, it has, in addition, become an excellent ambassador of culture.Herbert Haffner tells the story of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra - from their formation in 1882 out of the Bilsesche Kapelle (Bilse's Band) via the period of inflation, two World Wars, the Berlin Airlift and the German reunification until the present day. He does not conceal economic and personal crises, showing that the development of the orchestra mirrors the social and political circumstances of the time. The Philharmonic Orchestra is marked, almost as strong, by the continuous reorientation towards its principal conductors, from Hans von Bülow via Arthur Nikisch, Wilhelm Furtwängler, Herbert von Karajan, Claudio Abbado to Sir Simon Rattle.This is not just a book on music, but also an entertaining contribution to the cultural history of Germany in general and to the ever-changing city of Berlin in particular!