Search - Anton Bruckner, Martin Sieghart, Bruckner Orchester Linz :: Bruckner: Symphony No. 1

The Saucy Maid?

Larry VanDeSande | Mason, Michigan United States | 07/12/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I don't know who or what nicknamed the Bruckner Symphony No. 1 "the saucy maid" as listed on Amazon. I have owned many recordings of this music and never heard this moniker before.



This recording is a good one, done as part of the Linz Bruckner Symphony's rendering of all nine Bruckner symphonies. This is a set that has never received much acclaim even though it is quite fine. Only the Bruckner overview in American Record Guide from 1996 listed these as acceptable alternatives to the more well-known sets.



The high list price for the entire set -- which may or may not be available in USA or Great Britain -- was one significant inhibition for most listeners. They still ask a good deal for these CDs in the face of competition from discount labels.



Martin Sieghart recorded a number of the symphonies in the set after Kurt Eichhorn died. Eichhorn was the better conductor of the pair but both did fine in this music.



Here, Sieghart delivers the goods in a straightforward Viennese way that will satisfy most listeners. His orchestra is fine and is with him every step of the way.



This doesn't displace my favorite of all time -- Eugen Jochum's reading from his DGG set -- but it is much better than the bad reading Abbado had on the European market with Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.



Most Americans will find the inexpensive recording by the late George Tintner on Naxos, which is accompanied by an alternative piece of the Symphony No. 3, will fit their needs for this symphony. For those that don't -- and don't want to have to buy an entire set to get a good Viennese reading of the First Symphony -- this is for you."