Composer: Anton Bruckner
Orchestra: Wiener Symphoniker
Conductor: Carlo Maria Giulini
Audio CD
SPARS Code: ADD
Number of Discs: 1
Format: FLAC (tracks+cue)
Label: Testament
Size: 276 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
Symphony No. 2 in C minor (“Symphony of Pauses”), WAB 102 (various versions)
Composed by Anton Bruckner
Performed by Vienna Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Carlo Maria Giulini
01. Moderato
02. Andante – Feierlich, etwas bewegt
03. Scherzo – Maessig schnell
04. Finale – Mehr schnell
One of the greatest Bruckner interpretations
My first reaction to hearing this disc was “Someone opened the windows and let the fresh air into this symphony.” Corrupt text and all, this performance is absolutely gorgeous from beginning to end. The analogue sound is beatiful and rich, allowing us to hear every note of Bruckner’s orchestration (particularly the winds, which emerge with astonishing clarity throughout the performance). The cellos’ rendition of the second theme of the first movement is particularly beautiful. The scherzo is exciting, and the finale exultant. No matter how many interpretations of Bruckner symphonies you own, you need to add this one to your collection (and while you’re at it, add Giulini’s DGG performances of the Eighth and Ninth). You’ll never hear more enjoyable Bruckner.
Thanks