After a slow and steady build, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra’s recording of Anton Bruckner’s most famous work reveals a bright and uplifting composition – nuanced, layered and wonderful.
I instantly enjoy this sound, this leisurely exploration of a melody like a sunrise. The quality of the production and performance gives the intimacy of a concert hall through the precise wonder of hi-tech speakers or headphones.
The tempo is consistent and comforting throughout, allowing the listener to fall through the musical page and picture the personal imagery so strongly suggested by these sweeping strokes of sound. Everything here is vibrant and lively, crisp and precise without ever losing all the joy and spontaneity you could ever wish for in a symphony.
It breathes.
Moon describes some of what is heard here as “ominous”, but the word I prefer (also used by Moon) is “thoughtful.”
Brucker allows the music and musicians the time and space to build and grow and explore, never hurrying, never stalling. It is quite a feat, and worthy of your listening time.
Next Week: Jeff Buckley – Grace
Owned before blogging? No. (12 of 139 = 9%)
Heard before blogging? No. (20 of 139 = 14%)
Recommend? Yes. (115 of 139 = 83%)
Saw Carlo Maria Giulini conduct the Philharmonia back in the 1980s in a stunning performance of the 7th symphony. I remember the French Horns standing up in the final movement and it was breathtaking.