Search - Karajan, Berliner Philharmoniker :: Bruckner: Symphony No.4 "Romantic"

Wonderful Wonderful!

King Lemuel | Puyallup, WA | 11/03/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is apparently the 4th from the late 70s complete cycle. I heard it today for the first time at Rhapsody and it really got my attention. Maybe it is the good mood I am in, or, maybe this is just a downright wonderful performance, or both!



The performance is very exciting and I greatly enjoyed the brass playing. Karajan brings out the mystery and the majesty, especially the 1st and 4th movements, from this symphony. As I listened, I restarted the music and cranked the volume up a couple of times. I have listened to several other Bruckner Symphonies with Karajan and this just may be my favorite.



Jan 31, 2008 Update: about a third of the music I listen to is via Rhapsody. I recently found several record label websites (EMI, Decca, and Deutsche Grammophon) These websites often can clear up the mystery of what I am listening to at Rhapsody. The Deutsch Grammophon Karajan Berlin Phil Bruckner 9th posted at Rhapsody was actually recorded in 1966, and is not a part of the mid 70s box set as I originally thought. I was correct about the 4th Symphony, it is from the mid 70s box set (1 to 9).



Rhapsody has the following Karajan Bruckner Symphonies posted (that I have discovered so far):



EMI Berlin Phil 4, 7, 8



Deutsche Grammophon Berlin Phil 9th circa 1966



Deutsche Grammophon Berlin Phil 4th circa 1975 (part of the box set)



Deutsche Grammophon Vienna Phil DDD late 1980s 7 & 8



All of these sypmphonies are enjoyable to listen to, but so far I like this 4th best along with the Vienna Phil 8th. I usually have trouble with the 8th when it exceeds one CD but, surprisingly, this recording more than holds my attention and I do not feel like I am listening to the never ending Bruckner 8th.







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