Bruckner in Vienna
Larry VanDeSande | Mason, Michigan United States | 12/24/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD box represents a dream combination of orchestra, composer and conductors. Everything Bruckner could become in Europe in the 20th Century is represented in this box. The Bohm and Karajan performances are very spontaneous-sounding and exemplify their work in Bruckner. Like his commercial recording of the same time, Bohm's 7th Symphopny is highly Viennese. Karajan uses the same dramatic tendencies in this concert recording of the 9th Symphony.
The Furtwangler 8th is revelatory, a performance that shows why the conductor is remembered mythically nearly a half-century after his death, when Brucknerians the stature of Bohm, Karajan, Jochum, Wand and Tintner have traversed these symphonies in the stereo era. The 8th symphony is a lesson in what Jochum learned from Furtwangler -- how to manage a repetitive theme while never saying the same thing twice; how to scale a repeating motif the same way a mountain climber scales peaks; how to vary tempo and modulate sound to create interest beyond the printed score and familiar message. If you have read about Furtwangler's Svengali-like grip over audiences, this recording will help you understand the legend.
This box should not replace your favorite late Bruckner symphony recordings, for it does not compete directly with stereo CDs created in the late 20th century (although the sound is exemplary throughout and no apology must be made for anything herein). An indispensable set for Bruckner fans and those who want to better understand Bruckner interpretation during mid-to-late century."
Make That Five Hundred Stars!
T. Beers | Arlington, Virginia United States | 10/24/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Here are three of the greatest Bruckner conductors of the post-war period conducting the greatest of all Bruckner orchestras in live performances of the three greatest Bruckner symphonies. Yes, this sounds like hype, but it's all true. I actually heard Karl Boehm conduct the Bruckner 7th live at the Vienna Musikverein, and I remember the persuasive breadth and nobility of that performance so vividly I can't believe it happened over 30 years ago. The 'live' performance presented on this set sounds out with the same passion and conviction. It was actually recorded 'live' a couple of days before Boehm recorded the symphony in the studio for Deutsche Grammophon in 1976. Good as that studio recording is, this live performance registers with an indefinable "something extra." It is one of the great statements of this gloriously songful music, fully comparable with the best of Furtwaengler or Knappertsbusch. Sound quality (stereo, of course) is almost as good as DGG's studio product which is to say, very fine indeed. Von Karajan's live Bruckner 9th from 2 years later is less well recorded, but still in completely acceptable and enjoyable stereo sound. This is quite the most passionate Bruckner performance I've ever heard from Karajan, and it completely belies his reputation as a dictatorial control freak who would never allow inspiration to gain the upper hand, even in live concerts. I hasten to add that the performance is completely realized and masterfully projected, a couple of raw executive moments aside. (But when have you ever heard the word "raw" associated with Karajan?!) Incidentally, this Bruckner 9th is NOT the same live Karajan performance that appeared in a Vienna Philharmonic commemorative box set issued on DGG about 10 years ago, so don't worry about duplication if you already own that stunning set (unfortunately no longer available in the US). Finally, the 1954 mono Furtwaengler Bruckner 8th, which was his last performance of the piece. This has previously circulated on a couple of dreadful-sounding unauthorized CD sets, so if you know the performance only from those pirate CDs you're in for a shock: the sound quality on this Andante release is first-class, virtually studio quality. And the performance is awe-inspiring: all of Furtwaengler's late grand manner is present in spades, but coupled with a unique intensity that recalls his Bruckner performances of the '40s. Which is not to say this is a fast, febrile or frenetic performance, just that it carries on with a simply overwhelming sense of conviction. So there you have it .... this Andante set is absolutely indispensable if you are a Bruckner fan. And it's also a stunning demonstration of why live music-making (at least of this calibre) will always win out over the most perfectly conceived studio concoction. Thank you, Andante!"
Furwangler's finest Bruckner recording--
Howard G Brown | Port St. Lucie, FL USA | 08/05/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There is no need to add to the accolades the other reviewers have laid on the Bohm and von Karajan performances in this set. But let me assure any who may doubt, this is the finest Furtwangler recording of Bruckner to be found to date. It could pass for a studio recording of the period, but with that extra sense of magic only found in the maestro's live performances. How the quality of this recording remained blurred and buried in earlier issues is beyond me. Clearly a treasure has been restored -- revealed, actually, for the first time.
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Track Listings (4) - Disc #1