Search - Bruckner, Mozart, Sgro :: Symphonies 3-5 / Symphony 35 Haffner

Celibidache's mysticism and grand rhetorical style are suited to Bruckner's grandiose symphonies. These 1969-1981 performances of the "middle" symphonies are companions to another DG box of the late symphonies. Both sets compete with Celibidache's later versions with the superior Munich Philharmonic, recorded by EMI in more spacious, detailed sound. But Celibidache's many admirers will want both, for while the EMI set amply demonstrates the conductor's often wayward tempos and obsession with bringing out details others glide over, the earlier Celibidache on these discs is much more straightforward. His Munich performances stressed the ultimate in orchestral transparency and detail; these earlier ones are more flowing and strive for thicker orchestral sound and softer accents. But they still bear the Celibidache stamp--slower and grander than most Bruckner performances, if less idiosyncratic. DG offers an interesting filler with a straightforward account of Mozart's Haffner Symphony and a bonus rehearsal disc documenting Celibidache's perfectionist strivings. --Dan Davis