Search - Anton Bruckner, Carlo Maria Giulini, Vienna Symphony Orchestra :: Bruckner: Symphony No. 2

One of the greatest Bruckner interpretations

Richard Steiger | Murray, KY USA | 06/16/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My first reaction to hearing this disc was "Someone opened the windows and let the fresh air into this symphony." Corrupt text and all, this performance is absolutely gorgeous from beginning to end. The analogue sound is beatiful and rich, allowing us to hear every note of Bruckner's orchestration (particularly the winds, which emerge with astonishing clarity throughout the performance). The cellos' rendition of the second theme of the first movement is particularly beautiful. The scherzo is exciting, and the finale exultant. No matter how many interpretations of Bruckner symphonies you own, you need to add this one to your collection (and while you're at it, add Giulini's DGG performances of the Eighth and Ninth). You'll never hear more enjoyable Bruckner."

Fine but flawed

P. Edwin | Fukushima, Japan | 06/20/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I do not like to read great, lengthy novels that have been abridged, nor do I like to listen to great lengthy symphonies that have been cut. This is what you get with this acclaimed recording. Giulini uses the 1877[Nowak Edition]version of this most lyrical of symphonies. and subsequently too many beautiful moments are lost, particularly in the finale. [Remember, that Bruckner was greatly disturbed by the contemporary reaction to the symphony].The Schubertian elements of this lovely work are downplayed,too, making this interpretation sound like a later Bruckner work.

Sure, the orchestra playing is impressive, the conducting is impressive, and the sound quality is more than acceptable, but not as impressive.

To return to the caveat, to hear this symphony in all its glory look no further than to Tintner on Naxos. It is cheaper, has better sound, distinguished conducting, and you get to hear the whole work, as it was intended. Compare the timing: Over 71 minutes for the Tintner, and a tad over 58 for the Giulini. If you are in a hurry, then the Giulini fits the bill. Otherwise look to Tintner."

THE 2ND IS A SYMPHONIC MASTERPIECE

Brucknerian2006 | florida, USA | 11/14/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First before reviewing the performance I am wholly obliged to note the exceptional quality of Bruckner's mighty symphony 2 in C minor. This key often denotes fate and deep melancholy, yet in this work there is not a trace of demoralized sadness, instead it seems to tell of mighty happenings in the present and to come, indeed I thought of the apocalypse in certain passages, and remembered the 8th in C minor also contains a prophetic tiding. Often thought of as more subtle and benign than its predecessor the 1st also in C minor, this symphony is just as exciting and well written. The themes are so plentiful and perfect illustrations of Bruckner's melodic genius that one is hard pressed to not appreciate it as much as the other great symphonies. Indeed the more I hear this work the more it has grown on me and its character and beauty of structure and content becomes even more apparent. Another wonderful quality of Bruckner's 2nd are its links both thematically and orchestrationally to the classical era, as well as Schubert and Beethoven. One could go on for lines lauding this work of art. Suffice it to say this symphony is just as wonderful to listen to as the 8th, 1st, or 4th. Now for the performance.



Guilini has conducted a splendid performance. The scherzo never sounded so expansive and exciting. However in comparison with other performances it is hard to find a favorite, they all impart their own virtues. Guilini seems to give this performance and larger canvas, as if he was conducting the 9th, this comes out splendidly in the scherzo and finale. Overall the acoustics and instrumental clarity in each section of the orchestra is satisfactory, perhaps the timpani could have been a little more noticable. Do not miss this performance, for two reasons:



1. Guilini and the orchestra perform beautifully

2. Bruckner's symphony 2 is a treasure one cannot do without"