Search - Bruckner, Karajan, Preussische Staatskapelle :: Anton Bruckner - Symphony No.8 in C minor (Karajan's 1st Stereo Recording)(1944) (no first movement, 2nd&3rd mono, 4th in stereo) (Koch)

Very Interesting Torso of a Performance-and part in Stereo!

Darin Tysdal | Bloomington, MN 55420 | 08/01/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 1944 performance was apparently sent to the Soviet Union so the Nazi regime would not confiscate it. It is missing the 1st movmement (where is it??) so we only have movements 2,3 and 4. 2 and 3 are in Mono but the Finale is in stereo. I really do not hear much of a difference in the sound quality between the mono and stereo. His tempos are slow, just like his 1988 Vienna Philharmonic benchmark recording. The orchestra is not the Vienna Phil, but still makes a really nice sound. I have not heard the 1958 EMI version, although I would like to someday. For those who are interested this is a welcome addition to your Bruckner library. The 1988 performance still would be my primary recommendation, although many other great conductors have proven themselves to be masters of the Bruckner 8th (including Jascha Horenstein). When I listen to this performance, I play the first movement of the 1988 performance and then listen to this one! Someday I hope to listen to the 1958 one also-perhaps that is the closest in spirit, but I really do not hear much of an interprative difference between 1944 and 1988! Listen and see what you think!"