Composer: Anton Bruckner
Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra
Conductor: Stanisław Skrowaczewski
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: LPO
Catalogue: LPO0084
Release: 2015
Size: 544 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
Symphony No. 3 in D Minor, WAB 103 (Live)
01. I. Mäßig bewegt
02. II. Adagio. Etwas bewegt, quasi andante
03. III. Scherzo. Ziemlich schnell
04. IV. Finale. Allegro
From its opening expectant hush via its central Adagio movement (composed in memory of Bruckner’s mother) to its Austrian folk dance-influenced final movement, Bruckner’s Symphony No. 3 displays both the key influence of Wagner on the composer, and his structural flair, which earned his symphonies the description ‘cathedrals of sound’.
Stanisław Skrowaczewski, currently the world’s oldest major working conductor, is renowned for his affinity with Bruckner and the London Philharmonic Orchestra has performed Bruckner’s symphonies under his baton many times. Skrowaczewski’s decorations include the Knight’s Cross of Polonia Restituta, one of Poland’s highest decorations, six honorary Doctorates, and the Gold Medal from the Mahler-Bruckner Society; each indicating the massive contribution he has made to music-making throughout his career.
This recording was taken from a live concert performance at Royal Festival Hall, London, in March 2014, which was very well received critically.
Skrowaczewski uses his own, unpublished, edition of the Symphony in this recording, offering the listener a unique experience, and an opportunity to get inside the mind of Bruckner’s greatest interpreter.
Skrowaczewski’s interpretation of Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7 with the LPO is also available on the LPO’s record label (LPO-0071). Released in 2013, the recording received rave reviews, with Gramophone commenting that ‘It has a quiet dignity and integrity, and one is left in no doubt that the man on the podium comes with a wealth of experience and is in love with every bar.’