Review by -orlando- August 8, 2005 (9 of 11 found this review helpful)
Performance: Sonics (S/MC): /
The acoustics of "Het Concertgebouw" are ideal for this work and Haitink is a great guide. He uses the Haas 1887/1890 Hybrid Version.
Substantially there seems not much changed in Haitink's ideas about this work throught the years. But he shows a profound insight, taking the tempi a bit slower, resulting in an very intensive playing orchestra. Again a great "RCO Live" recording!
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Review by thepilot April 6, 2006 (8 of 11 found this review helpful)
Performance: Sonics (S/MC): /
This is the Bruckner 8th I have been waiting for. This magnificent orchestra in the splendid concert hall play their hearts out for Haitink. The sound is wonderfully transparent, every orchestral strand registers and yet the strings are velvety and the brass take your breath away. The balance is perfectly judged and you will not realize this is live, no microphone spotlighting, no extraneous noises! As fas as the performance is concerned only Karajan's last VPO account is as good, as spiritual and as thought out as this stunning realization. Maximum rating!!!!!!
