Search - Anton Bruckner, Philippe Herreweghe, Champs Elysees Orchestra :: Bruckner: Symphony No. 4

Bruckner made various revisions to his Fourth Symphony, and this new CD offers the 1878 version with the 1880 finale. What is really news, however, is that it is the first to be recorded with period instruments. Bruckner purists may argue--they tend to love their Bruckner gigantic--but there is no doubt that the period instruments, under the fine, pointed direction of Philippe Herreweghe, have a certain clarity and punch that modern ones do not. This is clear from the opening French horn calls and from the horns throughout. The sound is both more pungent and more mellow, depending on volume and approach, and the woodwinds add a flavor that well suits the pastoral settings in the scherzo and finale. Herreweghe uses 47 string players, and they are impressive in the grander moments indeed. In fact, all things considered, maybe true Brucknerians will enjoy this performance after all. Herreweghe's tempi, use of tension and release, and intelligent articulation of Bruckner's large blocks of ideas are all interesting and valid, and the added transparency in the orchestra makes this a fine experience. And, of course, there's always the Böhm on Decca, for a truly large-scale Bruckner Fourth. --Robert Levine