Search - Anton Bruckner, Jesús López-Cobos, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra :: Bruckner: Symphony No. 4 "Romantic" (Original 1874 Version)

The early version of this symphony

Evan Wilson | Cambridge, Massachusetts United States | 11/06/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Meek man that he was, Bruckner submitted most of his symphonies to revision, frequently at the behest of well-meaning, if uncomprehending, friends. This resulted in the so-called "Bruckner problem" in which several symphonies exist in different versions. In the case of the 4th symphony, there are 3 main version (worked on in 1874, 1880 & 1889 respectively). Traditionally, we hear the 1880 version with the so-called "Hunting horn" scherzo.This recording uses the original (if one can EVER say a Bruckner score is the original) 1874 version. In many ways it sounds like a completely different piece of music from the well-known 1880 version. In addition to a different scherzo, this version of the 4th frequently uses quintuplets in place of the more famous "Bruckner rhythm" of duplet+triplet (perhaps why the piece was initally deemed unplayable by the Vienna Philharmonic). Differing ostinatos, changed orchestration and completely different episodes in the first, second and fourth movements make this an interesting musical experience for anyone who knows the later revision.However, where Bruckner's revisions in the 5th symphony, for instance, disfigured that piece, virtually all his revisions in the fourth make it a better piece. Although I was repeated fascinated by episodes in this version of the 4th, it simply does NOT hold together as a piece as well as the revision. This is especially true in the finale where unrelated episodes sit cheek by jowl without any overriding coherence. (The finale of the 1880 revision is completely successful, either, but it sounds far more coherent than this.) Also, the older scherzo is simply not as inspired as the "Hunting horn" opus. Lopez-Cobos does us a service by recording this version, which he clearly feels an affinity for. He delights in many of the episodes later changed and does his best to hold the piece together. The orchestra plays well, although I felt they lacked some of the heft usually found in German/Austrian orchestras playing Bruckner. Telarc provides it's usual high-quality sound.Overall, this certainly isn't the ONLY Bruckner 4th you should have. A good version of the 1880 revision, such as Bohm, is an absolute necessity. But if you want to get an idea of how Bruckner's mind worked, you should pick this up and listen to it in tandem with the 1880 revision. While it isn't as great as the revision, there is music here that delights the ear and reveals what a true visionary Bruckner was."