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Boehm's Superbly Dramatic Bruckner

T. Beers | Arlington, Virginia United States | 06/13/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Karl Boehm and the Vienna Philharmonic recorded the Bruckner Seventh Symphony twice, in 1944 and again in 1977. This is the first recording, and notwithstanding its age, it sounds very fine. In fact, it's almost unbelivable that this recording is almost 60 years old. I suppose there is no real reason to buy it given that Boehm's concept of the music stayed remarkably consistent over the years and the later recording by and large provides the same experience but in even better sound (stereo, if not DDD). Boehm is a sober-sided Brucknerian; not for him the exagerated histrionics that some conductors insist on bringing to this wonderful music. Still, I hear an added intensity in the earlier recording that it is perhaps not too fanciful to imagine reflects the dire and dramatic circumstances in Vienna during the last year of World War II. At any rate, that added intensity doesn't at all compromise the integrity of Boehm's performance, and it certainly isn't out of place in this magnificent symphony with its so-noble, funereal Adagio. Another plus is the sheer quality of playing from the Vienna Philharmonic. In spite of war-time privations, they are pure gold! (Note: this same performance is also available on the inexpensive Musica D'Oro label and the transfer is almost as well managed. Since the Preiser disc may be hard to get, you might consider checking out the less expensive alternative which you can also find at Amazon.com.)"