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I've just purchased this recording of Bruckner's 3rd, using the more streamlined 1877 version (including a nice Scherzo coda), unlike the majority of recent SACD-releases (i.e. Bosch, Blomstedt, Nagano, Nott, Young), which all use the Originalfassung, which while interesting is in my view a much less satisfying version of the 3rd.
Van Zweden's rendering is very good indeed (clearly a disciple of Haitink!), and the sound quality second to none. Very much recommended, especially since it's the only one on SACD using this 1877 version (the 1878 Bruckner: Symphony No. 3 - Kubelik, equally excellent, doesn't have the Scherzo coda).
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It seems van Zweden is determined to complete his survey of the works of the old curmudgeon with a new release now awaited; Bruckner: Symphony No. 1 - van Zweden.
I am baffled by the sudden and improbable popularity of the works of this most wavering and disgruntled of composers at least in the eyes of the recording executives, who seem intent on churning out an endless stream of at best lack lustre recordings of what have never in all truthfulness been the stuff of the mainstream repertory. How many Bruckner evenings have there been at your local concert hall? It is not the way to fill concert halls that's for sure so are we being fed a diet of vanity projects from conductors rather than stuff we actually want to hear?
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hiredfox said:
It seems van Zweden is determined to complete his survey of the works of the old curmudgeon with a new release now awaited; Bruckner: Symphony No. 1 - van Zweden.
I am baffled by the sudden and improbable popularity of the works of this most wavering and disgruntled of composers at least in the eyes of the recording executives, who seem intent on churning out an endless stream of at best lack lustre recordings of what have never in all truthfulness been the stuff of the mainstream repertory. How many Bruckner evenings have there been at your local concert hall? It is not the way to fill concert halls that's for sure so are we being fed a diet of vanity projects from conductors rather than stuff we actually want to hear?
I don't know in which corner of the world you're frequenting concerts, but certainly in Germany, especially here in Munich, Bruckner is a guarantee that concerts are sold out!
Now that Gergiev has become the conductor of the Munich Philharmonic, even he is scheduled soon to perform Bruckner (which is not his forte, I assume). If you can't do Bruckner in Munich, you won't make it here. Today, the Berlin Philharmonic chooses another leader: whoever is going to be the next chief, there is one dead certainty: he must be able to do Bruckner, otherwise you're not even considered.
And as to your belief that it's "for sure it is not the way to fill concert halls" check out this Japanese's daily updated concert schedule for Bruckner concerts all over the world (see link below). I venture to say that next to Mozart and Beethoven and a few other big names, Bruckner is probably THE most scheduled composer in the world: i.e. mainstream repertory in Germany, Japan, Austria, Amsterdam, and yes even in London, where I have seen many a great Bruckner performance (esp. the London Philharmonic is a great orchestra for Bruckner). Here's the link to check out for yourself:
http://www.bekkoame.ne.jp/~hippo/musik/konzertvorschau/bruckner.html
EDIT: as to your claim that most of these recordings are "at best lack lustre", have you actually heard them? Given your dismissive remarks, I bet you haven't. But if you have, could you please indicate which? Random dismissal is hardly credible.
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Isn't it fun to stimulate debate and of course one's views are personal. I am aware of musical tastes and preferences in Germany and Austria of course but Herr Bruckner does not necessarily travel well.
Apart from the Young series most SACD are in my collection not to mention all those dusty LP's and everlasting CDs! I promise you my sincerest efforts to reach out to him, alas he has failed to reciprocate my hand of friendship.
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Bruckner seems popular in the United States, at least in Dallas. Van Zweden of course is director here, but I did attend two DSO Bruckner concerts prior to his tenure (both conducted by Claus Peter Flor).
I will admit that I am not as keen to listen to Bruckner as I once was, but a live performance of his music is still for me unmissable (I am looking forward to the 5th this Fall).
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Post by kansub May 11, 2015 (6 of 12)
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Absolutely. I live in Dallas and the last two Bruckners the 8th and 4th were spellbinding. In fact I went to the 8th on two consecutive days, it was that good. Wonderful Bruckner conductor and Orchestra.
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hiredfox said:
Herr Bruckner does not necessarily travel well.
Apart from the Young series most SACD are in my collection not to mention all those dusty LP's and everlasting CDs! I promise you my sincerest efforts to reach out to him, alas he has failed to reciprocate my hand of friendship.
If I search ‘Bruckner symphony’ on this site I get : 100 (refine your search to view more). Quite a reach out for a composer you desperately try to come to grips with, but who does not answer your friendship. Unrequited secret love?
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Sheesh, Van Zweden's Bruckner cycle has gotten some awful site reviews here, where, as we know, rarely is heard a discouraging word.
What's a good initial purchase to sample the cycle? I'm thinking Sym. 1 might be a safe choice, as it's relatively less prone to portentous conducting.
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Post by hiredfox July 20, 2015 (9 of 12)
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SteelyTom said:
Sheesh, Van Zweden's Bruckner cycle has gotten some awful site reviews here, where, as we know, rarely is heard a discouraging word.
What's a good initial purchase to sample the cycle? I'm thinking Sym. 1 might be a safe choice, as it's relatively less prone to portentous conducting.
7 is usually the one that will pull people in but 9 is also rather catchy.
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Post by hiredfox July 20, 2015 (10 of 12)
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Adrian Cue said:
If I search ‘Bruckner symphony’ on this site I get : 100 (refine your search to view more). Quite a reach out for a composer you desperately try to come to grips with, but who does not answer your friendship. Unrequited secret love?
True and the fault probably lies in me.
Many musicologists inherently ascribe kinship between the styles of Bruckner & Mahler but for the life of me I just cannot see it. If Music is the audible expression of one's emotions then Herr Gustav clearly understood people like me a great deal better than the reclusive introverted Bruckner ever could have done.
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