Double Double.(recordings of Anton Bruckner's 8th Symphony)(Brief Article)

Bruckner's 8th Symphony is a monumental piece of music that for many represents the peak of this composer's symphonic output. Tom Lyle and I thought it would be interesting to compare two fairly recent releases of this work to each other. These two releases are a rendition of the Haas version of the score featuring the Vienna Philharmonic conducted by Pierre Boulez (Deutsche Grammophon 289 459 678-2) and a budget-priced recording of the Nowak version of the score featuring the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland conducted by Georg Tintner (Naxos 8.554215-16, a two-CD release that also contains the "Nullte" Symphony).

As always, Tom and I have prepared our remarks independently: other than deciding that these were the two CDs that we wanted to compare, we have not discussed these recordings with each other. Because this is an even-numbered issue, Tom will lead things off with his observations, and then I will follow with my comments.

TL: Pierre Boulez's version of Bruckner's Eighth on DG is a solid performance, and would be a perfect CD for one wanting to hear this magnificent opus for the first time. It is a comparatively inexpensive way to go, too, because his brisk account fits on a single CD. It will never replace my (and countless others') reference, Gunter Wand's version recorded in Germany's Lubeck cathedral, but still, it is a first rate account. I paid a premium price for the Wand RCA import, because at the time it was rumored that the recording would go out of print quickly, so I purchased it the first time I saw it in the bins. (I have a feeling it has indeed been deleted from the catalog.) Nevertheless, Boulez and the Vienna make an excellent pairing, and demonstrate why this is (at least in my opinion) Bruckner's best work.

The performance by the Vienna Philharmonic is exemplary. Why shouldn't it be? Their familiarity, not to mention their historical connection with Bruckner's symphonies, is unparalleled. Boulez even admits that at times he was following the orchestra's lead. To state that the orchestra sounds self-assured would be an understatement. For example, if you want to hear what all the fuss is about in regards to the Vienna Philharmonic's brass section, this CD is proof enough that they are among the best in the world.

I've begun to take for granted that George Tintner knows his Bruckner. He has demonstrated on many a disc that he can produce an excellent rendition of many of his symphonies, even when leading what is not a first-tier orchestra. He seems to bring out the best in the players, and his interpretive style seems as if it is a direct connection to the intent of the composer (even though the composer was never that sure of his own intentions!) But in this case, the orchestra seems to be struggling. Perhaps I get this impression because I am comparing them directly to the VPO. The horns play such an important role in this symphony that it is difficult to miss their lapses. But the horns are not the only ones ...