Search - Claudio Abbado, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra :: Bruckner: Symphony No. 1

Inadequate is the best description

Larry VanDeSande | Mason, Michigan United States | 07/12/2004

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Claudio Abbado and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchesta. You'd think that combination would turn in an outstanding reading of a Bruckner symphony. They didn't. As the Penguin Guide said in the only edition that rated this CD, Abbado was clearly uninspired and the orchestra was on autopilot. Nothing about this CD suggests anything significant about Bruckner or his ambitious First Symphony. My advice is to look elsewhere for satisfaction. In single issue copies, Sieghart, Scrowaczewski and Tintner are all to be preferred. If you're willing to buy a set, the two best versions out there are included in the Karajan and Jochum DG sets."

Fantastic

Jonathan Toren | New York, NY United States | 04/27/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don't understand why Abbado's Bruckner doesn't get more respect, I think it's fantastic. Here he makes a great case for the rarely-played number one. Just listen to the Scherzo! It crackles. Abbado and the Philharmonic in general had a unique blooming, bursting sound that is just perfect for Bruckner. His recordings of the 4th, 5th and 9th are also awesome."