Herbert von Karajan Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra Anton Bruckner - Bruckner Symphony No 9 (3 tracks) +Album Reviews

The best 9th by far, and perhaps Karajan's Best recording

R. Lane | Tracy, CA USA | 04/23/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The recording on this disk was made in 1966, when the collaboration of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra with conductor Herbert von Karajan was at its zenith. Compared to the recording made by DG over a decade later with the BPO as part of what became an integral cycle of the 9 symphonies, Karajan is even more in tune with Bruckner's mysticism, but never to an excessive degree. Orchestra and conductor blend in this issue for one the most masterful Bruckner performances of all time. And the sound in the 1966 issue here is much better, providing a better sense of stage and dimension compared to the more closely miked 1970s recording."

Great Bruckner 9th, but I still prefer the late 70's reading

M. A. Scott | Kansas, USA | 07/10/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I agree with reviewer R.Lane in his comments about this 1966 version of Bruckner's 9th, but I like the much tougher and majestic late 70's version by Karajan. True, it was very closely miked but for some reason I like it that way in that particular version. This 1966 version is very lush and beautiful and many may prefer this one, but for some reason the other one is just hairraising and biting like I believe this great symphony should be presented. This 1966 version is still one of the greatest readings ever and should be in every Brucknerians collection. But also try to obtain the late 70's version, and if you have problems finding that one you might just go out and you'll get it in the boxed set of the complete Bruckner symphonies by Karajan. Then, you might try to buy Eugene Jochum's DG or EMI boxed sets of the complete Bruckner symphonies because he is still my favorite Bruckner interpreter of all-time. Enjoy!!!"

A superb 9th!!!

King Lemuel | 06/04/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The key word with this interpetation is it's simplistic and direct approach. Never has the Berlin ever sounded so integrated. The warmth and lushness of detail never descends into gaudiness...it is sumptous and burnished. If you take the Bruckner 9th serious this is a must have..it makes Barenboim and Harnoncourt sound pedestrian."

A commadning performance badly needs remastering

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 11/23/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What sets this 1966 Bruckner Ninth apart is Karajan's heightened sense of drama. The climaxes in the first movement are overwhelming, even by the standards of the Berlin Phil., the Scherzo is fast and incisive, the finale, quite sweeping but not broadly paced, brings more explosive climaxes. Every moment reveals some new highlight, either in the remarkable orchestral execution or in Karajan's sure touch as he sustains the musical line bar after bar without a slip. There is often great sweetness and tenderness in the strings, something I don't always hear in Karajan's Bruckner. Overall this performance feels titanic, in part because the recorded space is huge. Even the solo flute echos as if in a cathedral.

If only DG would remaster this stunning performance. There is shrillness in the big climaxes, and the full force of the orchestra is diminished by overloading. DG's remastering of Karajan's Brahms and Schumann First Symphonies from this period shows how much improvement could be attained. Yet the present sonics are good enough--one can't help but be swept away by this CD, which stands as a monument to the greatest Brcuknerian on discs."

One of the better 9ths I have heard

King Lemuel | Puyallup, WA | 06/09/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have this performance on a Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft vinyl LP large tulip label from the mid 1960s. Rhapsody has posted the 9th from Karajan's 1970s to early 1980s cycle. I like the adagio movement from that cycle, but the first two movements seem to drag a little and the horns seem to be held somewhat in check especially during the climaxes. This is by far the better recording. The horns are let loose a bit more, the playing has more passion and spirit, and all three movements shine, not just the adagio.

This is one of the better 9ths I have come across and is very well recorded.

"

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	Herbert von Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Anton Bruckner Bruckner: Symphony No. 9 Genre: Classical Track Listings (3) - Disc #1 I. Feierlich, Misterioso Ii. Scherzo. Bewegt, Lebhaft Iii. Adagio. Langsam, Feierlich
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