Herbert von Karajan

Conductor Herbert von Karajan, who became artistic director of the Vienna State Opera in 1956, considered the Hotel Imperial as his occasional base camp, rang the ¬concierge in a fury: ‘I want to take a shower, and there is no water!' In truth, there was a burst pipe. The damage was repaired in no time at all. How, though, can you ¬apologise to such a great master of music without seeming ridiculous? General Manager Littig gave him a small packet of coffee, the hotel's own blend, which Karajan so much appreciated. From this day forward, without a word a packet of coffee was presented to Karajan on every of his arrival.