Anton Bruckner Sergiu Celibidache Muumlnchen Philharmoniker - CELIBIDACHE Mnchner Philharmoniker Bruckner Symphony No 9 in concert and rehearsal (14 tracks) +Album Reviews

There is only one..........

John Georgiadis | Deal, Kent, UK | 10/28/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having read the critical nonsense of some reviewers I am dismayed that the greatest ever conductor to stand in front of orchestras should be written about in this way. The ninth, like all the other Bruckner symphony recordings performed by Celibidache and the Munich Phil is just truly stunning and the wonderful spacious tempi do the grandeur and magnificence of this composer justice in a way no other 'maestro' comes near. Although a recording can never do true justice to the work of this genius musician it is possible to glean some of the incredible music made in the hall at these performances. How do I know? I was there for many of them! How can I tell? Perhaps 14 years as LSO leader (concertmaster) helps!

Clear your ears and minds ladies and gentlemen for you are missing what amounts to the greatest musical offerings of our, and possibly, all time.

John Georgiadis."

A Revalation

John Georgiadis | 04/18/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Such music making as this comes along once in a lifetime. Though not as "spiritual" an experience as being present at a Celibidache/Bruckner concert, this is the closest I have been to that sublime elusive celi sound. A definitive recording of a truly great symphony. Bravi!!"

Glorious sound, glacial tempi

John Georgiadis | 09/16/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Tempi in Bruckner's symphonies are normally on the slow side, but Celibidache's are in a class by themselves. The compensation for this lies in the quality of sound (which is gorgeous), the exquisite balances, and a combination of transparency and richness which defies explanation. Ensemble can be a bit ragged, but let us not forget that all these 'Celi' recordings come from concerts, and the man himself authorised no commercial recordings after the 1950's. A lovely recording of a profound work."

A historic and timely release

Douglas S. Halfen | 05/22/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Celibidache Bruckner edition is already considered by many to be the 'definitive' Bruckner in the whole catalogue. It has already been awarded many prizes including The Edison Classical Music Awards, the Grand Prix de l'Academie du Disque and the Diapason D'Or de l'Annee. Bruckner's 9th is the jewel of this superlative collection. Highly recommended."

The Controlled Splendour Of The Sun

Douglas S. Halfen | Baltimore, MD, USA | 10/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, this is the longest Bruckner 9th on record. Yes, Celi's tempos are, by the time of this recording, positively glacial. Yes, everything that you've heard about this recording (opinions aside) is true. BUT, if, like me, you've sometimes found yourself listening to this symphony in other performances and wondering, "If only it could last a little longer..." from one delicious passage to the next, then you're in for a treat!

As an extraordinarily-individual account of this symphony, the performance is not literal, not "perfect," and not how so many other fantastic Bruckner interpreters would do it --- but it _is_ beautiful, almost to the point of being overwhelmingly-sumptuous. Most impressive of all is the playing of the Münchner Philharmoniker, a second-tier orchestra that become a world-class instrument under Celi's baton. If you could turn an orchestra into a Bösendorfer and depress the sustain pedal, then the result would be exactly what is obtained here. I have one word for the staying power of the winds and brass: incredible.

If you want fast, then go for Barbirolli, who zips through the piece faster than just about anyone of whom I can think right now (the Hallé trip over themselves trying to produce his vision). If you want normal, then you have plenty of other options at "quarterback" (Skrowaczewski with Minnesota is my personal favourite). But I am very comfortable "coming home" to this recording at any time. (And you have to love Giulini, too!)"

Search - Anton Bruckner, Sergiu Celibidache, München Philharmoniker :: CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Bruckner: Symphony No. 9 (in concert and rehearsal)

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