Search - Georg Tintner, Royal Scottish National Orchestra :: Bruckner: The Complete Symphonies (00-9)

Magnificent, Unique Bruckner from a Remarkable Conductor

T. Beers | Arlington, Virginia United States | 03/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I recently reviewed the EMI "soft box" reissue of Jochum's Dresden recordings of the nine Bruckner symphonies as a first rate bargain, and here's another! Tintner was a superb Bruckner conductor, trained (by Felix Weingartner) in Vienna in the 1930s. After fleeing the Nazis, Tintner took up various conducting assignments in Australia and New Zealand, opting out of a more glamorous career in the major international music centers. He eventually ended up in Canada where he died in 1999, well-respected if relatively unknown (but with a growing reputation as a Bruckner interpreter). Naxos had the brilliant idea of commissioning him to record their Bruckner cycle and the results are very impressive. Tintner's performances are completely idiomatic and convincing, but what really sets this recording apart are his choices about what versions of the symphonies to perform. (Bruckner's symphonies exist in multiple versions made by the composer himself. In addition, these versions appear in different editions prepared by various editors, the most prominent being Robert Haas and Leopold Nowak. The first thing a conductor who performs Bruckner must do is choose among versions and editions. Yes, it's very complicated!) So, when considering whether to buy this wonderful set, think about these three factors. First, whereas Eugen Jochum, for example, recorded the standard nine symphonies in the Nowak editions, Tintner also gives us the early symphonies (nos. "0" and "00") making a total of 11 completely authentic Bruckner symphonies. (Although clearly early works, symphonies "0" and "00" are substantial and enjoyable compositions that should be heard.) Second, and again unlike Jochum, Tintner regularly performs the Haas editions rather than Nowak. Third, and most important, instead of recording what have become the standard Bruckner versions of symphonies 2, 3, and 8, Tintner went back to Bruckner's earliest versions [...1872, ed. Carragan; ...1873, ed. Nowak; and ...1888, ed. Nowak]. These earliest versions are substantially different from the versions most conductors play (...1876; ...1877 or 1889; ...1890). My personal opinion? I can't say I prefer Tintner's choices over other versions, but I don't need to exclude one or the other. Tintner is a very persuasive advocate for the earlier (and significantly more expansive) versions and I wouldn't want to be without his recordings. Moreover, Naxos provides generally excellent digital engineering for the three orchestras that perform in this fascinating set. (The lion's share of performances come from the excellent Royal Scottish National Orchestra.) All of this thought-provoking excellence is presented in a slim and elegant, white "soft box" format which includes a substantial booklet with full notes (by the conductor). To sum up, this set is more a complement than a rival to other versions. But it need fear competition from no other set, and the performances of the more famous Bruckner symphonies (4, 5, 6, 7 & 9, all performed in the standard versions) are among the best currently available. If you need any other reason to buy this magnificent recording, just look at the price!"

Probably the Best Set of the Bruckner Symphonies

Ralph J. Steinberg | New York, NY United States | 06/08/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this set mainly out of curiosity. I had become familiar with the first versions of the Third and Eighth Symphonies in the Inbal renditions, but had never heard those of the First and Second. Well, from the very first hearing, I was dumbstruck by this set. Not only do Tintner's versions of the Third and Eighth surpass Inbal's in spaciousness and tension, but the other symphonies at the very least equal the very best competing performances; Tintner's Ninth is the only modern version that in my estimation equals the classic Furtwaengler recording.
I have seen some reviewers disparage the first version of the Eighth Symphony. I do not understand this at all. To me, this very first version of the Symphony is far more dramatic and turbulent than the rather smoothed out revision, even in the Haas score (the Nowak is a failure, as far as I'm concerned, in endorsing the cuts in the Adagio and Finale that ruin Bruckner's superb transitions). Bruckner's origingal thoughts in almost all cases (except the Fourth) show him as a far more inventive and bolder composer than do his own revisions.
I am also happy that Tintner chose to include the Symphonies "0" and "00". I have long enjoyed "0", but I find the "Schulsymphonie" rather conventional and uninteresting.
At any rate, here is a Bruckner set in superb sound that can stand as the standard recommendation. And at Naxos' prices, who can resist?"

The best all digital Bruckner by far.

Ralph J. Steinberg | 07/27/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"No Brucknerian will want to be without this wonderful cycle.
Tintner, a very established Brucknerian of the Gunter Wand mold, handles these symphonies with the skill that only a true veteran can.
His vigorous, instinctly authoritative and evocative approach is apparent from the outset.
And at budget price, you just can not go wrong."