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Site review by Polly Nomial March 4, 2008
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Performance: Sonics (MC): |
This is a gloriously captured but self-indulgent wallow through this score.
Beginning tentatively, as if seeking to demonstrate profundity, van Zweden instead presents a grossly inadequate understanding of the musical architecture. Instead of showcasing the many profundities and beautiful moments within the score, van Zweden comes across as having been seduced like a hot-headed teenager who adores sheer power and beauty. In many ways the reading is as close a demonstration of the oft-cited caricature of Karajan's aims but in every way falls short of the cohesive organisation of the musical arguments that Karajan commanded in Bruckner. As the symphony progresses, the effect becomes more and more wearing; the orchestra do play beautifully but they sound uninspired, as is this listener.
The engineering is in a very high class but no-one should allow themselves to be seduced by the opulence of the recording from the very real interpretative faults on display here.
Not recommended - instead, try either Bruckner: Symphony No. 9 - Harnoncourt or Bruckner: Symphony No. 9 - Wand
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Copyright © 2008 John Broggio and SA-CD.net
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