Search - Anton Bruckner, Herbert von Karajan, Preussische Stattskapelle :: Bruckner: Symphony No. 8

Mount Everest of Symphonies

Mr John Haueisen | WORTHINGTON, OHIO United States | 04/03/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An earlier reviewer, the music fan from Ottawa, referred to Bruckner's Eight as the "Everest of Symphonies." I quite agree and believe you will too.This huge, tall, symphony will carry you to dizzying heights and a sublime feeling of inner peace after a confrontation with mortality and a determined resolution to fight to the last breath. That sounds like pretty bold talk regarding a symphony which has no words, but as Richard Wagner used to say, listen, and the music will tell you what it's about.Of course each listener will have his own "take" on a particular work, but just listen to Bruckner's Eighth. It has something very important to say to you. By the way, just because this performance was recorded in 1944, don't worry that you'll have to struggle, listening to static and scratchy noise. This performance sounds as if it were recorded yesterday, and retains Herbert von Karajan's translucence--a quality where, even with the entire orchestra playing, you can hear important individual parts shining through.Highly recommended."

Where is the first movement??

b4yh | Seattle, WA United States | 10/04/2003

(2 out of 5 stars)

"While it may be a great recording, the absence of the first movement means that for me it cannot be a first choice for this wonderful symphony. It's certainly a good deal at this bargain price, but if this is your first Bruckner 8 I would spend the extra $8 and get the Boulez, or splurge on the 1989 version Karajan recorded, again with the Wiener Phil, which is electric."