FIRST OFF . . .

Conductor Herbert von Karajan, 80, has asked for a reprieve from his contract with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra because of failing health. In a letter to Berlin culture authorities, he stated that he cannot keep up with the pace demanded by his contract and wants to rest at his home near Salzburg, Austria. A Berlin cultural affairs spokesman said that with the letter, Karajan conceded for the first time that his ability to conduct has been affected by a stroke, failing vision, circulatory problems and at least five operations he has undergone in the last 12 years. Karajan has conducted the Berlin Philharmonic since 1954 and holds the honorary title of lifetime director. One Vienna music critic said of the conductor, “His life is a heroic exertion against illness and pain.”