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Bruckner: Symphony No. 4
Anton Bruckner, Philippe Herreweghe, Champs Elysees Orchestra
Bruckner: Symphony No. 4
Genre: Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (4) - Disc #1

Bruckner made various revisions to his Fourth Symphony, and this new CD offers the 1878 version with the 1880 finale. What is really news, however, is that it is the first to be recorded with period instruments. Bruckner p...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Anton Bruckner, Philippe Herreweghe, Champs Elysees Orchestra
Title: Bruckner: Symphony No. 4
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
Original Release Date: 1/1/2006
Re-Release Date: 5/9/2006
Album Type: Import
Genre: Classical
Style: Symphonies
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 794881800124

Synopsis

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Bruckner made various revisions to his Fourth Symphony, and this new CD offers the 1878 version with the 1880 finale. What is really news, however, is that it is the first to be recorded with period instruments. Bruckner purists may argue--they tend to love their Bruckner gigantic--but there is no doubt that the period instruments, under the fine, pointed direction of Philippe Herreweghe, have a certain clarity and punch that modern ones do not. This is clear from the opening French horn calls and from the horns throughout. The sound is both more pungent and more mellow, depending on volume and approach, and the woodwinds add a flavor that well suits the pastoral settings in the scherzo and finale. Herreweghe uses 47 string players, and they are impressive in the grander moments indeed. In fact, all things considered, maybe true Brucknerians will enjoy this performance after all. Herreweghe's tempi, use of tension and release, and intelligent articulation of Bruckner's large blocks of ideas are all interesting and valid, and the added transparency in the orchestra makes this a fine experience. And, of course, there's always the Böhm on Decca, for a truly large-scale Bruckner Fourth. --Robert Levine

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CD Reviews

Great Bruckner on Period Instruments
Matthaeus | 02/09/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Listeners who fancy the supposed 'Viennese' readings of Bruckner by modern orchestras can stop reading here. Those who enjoy having an alternative reading slightly outside that tradition or who enjoy period instruments will want to own this recording. I am in the latter category and found this recording amazingly satisfying. I no longer listen to my old DG/Karajan recording, although others would want to keep both. I dislike the cover art, but the sound quality is satisfactory."