Search - Anton Bruckner, Kent Nagano, Bayerisches Staatsorchester :: Bruckner: Symphony No.4

Bruckner's original version (1874) receives its due

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 06/02/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Newcomers should be warned that this is a recording of Bruckner's rarely performed original Sym. 4 from 1874 -- rare in the concert hall, at least. The final edition is much changed, and to my ears much improved. The original has long blank stretches and considerable filler that the composer later transformed into the cogent, rich score we are familiar with. Still, his first thoughts are worth hearing, and there are times when they stand their ground quite well.



The performance is first-rate. Kent Nagano makes his debut with the Bavarian State Opera Orch., which in my experience is better than the Munich Phil. but not as sterling as the Bavarian State Radio Orch. However, I haven't heard any of them live. The orchestra sounds fine on this CD, although the miking is a bit too distant to give the best inner detail of woodwind solos. Otherwise the balances are clear and there is great impact in the climaxes.



If this were competing with great performances of the final Bruckner Fourth, I don't think Nagano has enough personality or force to come out ahead. But with the thin competition in the 1874 version, he's clearly the best I've heard among three or so. I own the Inbal, which is a few cuts below the present version, yet good enough on its own.



P.S. - For more detail and added information about editions of the Bruckner fourth on CD, see the excellent comments below."