We agree on two conductors, but in different performances. I guess I'm in the minority in preferring Giulini's earlier reading with Chicago. It's probably more nostalgia in that it was my first Bruckner 9. I also prefer the Barenboim performance with Chicago as well. A few others worthy of mention: Jochum with Staatskapelle Dresden...no one hammers the demonic scherzo like he does; the Carl Schuricht reading with the Vienna Phil, Sinopoli's account also with Dresden which is very transcendental and finally Bernstein, a conductor who didn't care for Bruckner very much, but made a cosmic recording for DGG. Enjoying your videos tremendously. BTW, I agree with you that completions of the final movement haven't worked for me either.
I am so happy I am not the only one who liked the second cycle by Barenboim (the one of the 90s with the Berliners) more than the Chicago one! I was starting to feel sad I was the only one (everyone like the Chicago one, and I simply do not like it as much, no matter how many times I tried to give it a chance). The Berliner cycle with Barenboim sounds so, so right to me. Looking forward to discover the 9th by Giulini, I have only heard good things about it. Thanks for these video, Gil!
I'm surprised you did not mention Jochum, his Bruckner cycle with the bayerischen rundfunks symphonieorchester is sublime, and that 9th a masterclass in conducting. I do agree with Giulini, though. The first time I listened to Bruckner it was his 8th, also for DG with the vienna philharmonic, and his 9th is perhaps the best ever recorded. He has so much sensibility and everything about the music feels right in proportion and scale. However, not that my opinion matters,but I do not like Furtwangler conducting the 9th. I know he is great and I know his style, but the way he just rushes through the crescendos sort of kills it for me. What I love about both Giulini and Jochum is that no matter how intense, they do take their time in a way that creates atmosphere and momentum. I feel Furtwangler just goes too fast where there's more to be appreciated.
Allow me to add Kubelick with the BRSO on Orfeo. The adagio is especially well crafted, phrased, built, etc. He really understands this piece and is very much on top of things.
I only listen to Simon Rattles 4 movement version only because it has all 4 movements and it's a shame orchestras almost never perform the 4 movement 9th. The 9th needs to be performed as a 4 movement work in order to add resolution to that amazing adagio.
Thank you.
Bruno Walter with the CSO in '59 is my favorite.
The third movement of the 9th Symphony is, in my opinion, one of the most profound pieces in the entire history of music.
We agree on two conductors, but in different performances. I guess I'm in the minority in preferring Giulini's earlier reading with Chicago. It's probably more nostalgia in that it was my first Bruckner 9. I also prefer the Barenboim performance with Chicago as well. A few others worthy of mention: Jochum with Staatskapelle Dresden...no one hammers the demonic scherzo like he does; the Carl Schuricht reading with the Vienna Phil, Sinopoli's account also with Dresden which is very transcendental and finally Bernstein, a conductor who didn't care for Bruckner very much, but made a cosmic recording for DGG. Enjoying your videos tremendously. BTW, I agree with you that completions of the final movement haven't worked for me either.
For me, personally, the recorodings of Bruckner from Jochum, the older ones, are the best ones. Best for your channel!
You have picked some grand choices. I greatly enjoy: Giulini/CSO, HvK/BPO 60's, Wand, Jochum/SKD.
I am so happy I am not the only one who liked the second cycle by Barenboim (the one of the 90s with the Berliners) more than the Chicago one! I was starting to feel sad I was the only one (everyone like the Chicago one, and I simply do not like it as much, no matter how many times I tried to give it a chance). The Berliner cycle with Barenboim sounds so, so right to me. Looking forward to discover the 9th by Giulini, I have only heard good things about it. Thanks for these video, Gil!
You’re very welcome!
I'm surprised you did not mention Jochum, his Bruckner cycle with the bayerischen rundfunks symphonieorchester is sublime, and that 9th a masterclass in conducting. I do agree with Giulini, though. The first time I listened to Bruckner it was his 8th, also for DG with the vienna philharmonic, and his 9th is perhaps the best ever recorded. He has so much sensibility and everything about the music feels right in proportion and scale.
However, not that my opinion matters,but I do not like Furtwangler conducting the 9th. I know he is great and I know his style, but the way he just rushes through the crescendos sort of kills it for me. What I love about both Giulini and Jochum is that no matter how intense, they do take their time in a way that creates atmosphere and momentum. I feel Furtwangler just goes too fast where there's more to be appreciated.
Allow me to add Kubelick with the BRSO on Orfeo. The adagio is especially well crafted, phrased, built, etc. He really understands this piece and is very much on top of things.
Bruno Walter?
You omitted the magnificent Bruno Walter version.
I only listen to Simon Rattles 4 movement version only because it has all 4 movements and it's a shame orchestras almost never perform the 4 movement 9th. The 9th needs to be performed as a 4 movement work in order to add resolution to that amazing adagio.
At last, someone else likes DB's B9!
What happened to the bust of Ludwig von?
He was added for the concertos and orchestral works. Forgot to bring him out for the symphonies.
Ludwig van 😉
Agreed re it's unfinished form. Rather like Schubert's 8th it can't be improved on IMHO.
ahhh, hope this can be a place to talk about the music over gross snarkiness.