Bruckner: Symphony No. 9 (original 1894 version, ed. L. Nowak)
2/7/2012, 3 Tracks, 51:59
Featuring
Sir Roger Norrington
Radio-Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR
Anton Bruckner
Did you know?
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Composition History
Bruckner's Seventh Symphony brought him international recognition after its premiere in Leipzig in 1884, but his Eighth Symphony faced rejection from conductor Hermann Levi.
Interpretation
Sir Roger Norrington and the Radio-Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR aim to perform Bruckner's symphonies as the composer might have expected, using the correct number of players, Viennese seating, and period bowing, phrasing, and articulation.
Composition History
The finale of Bruckner's Ninth Symphony remains incomplete because, after his death, his apartment was not sealed, and manuscript pages were likely taken by memento-hunters.
Interpretation
This recording emphasizes a 'pure tone' without the continuous vibrato that became common in the 20th century, a style the Vienna Philharmonic reportedly maintained until 1938.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Sir Roger Norrington views Bruckner's symphonies as secular works intended for the concert hall, not sacred pieces written for churches, and believes they contain descriptive music, dance, humor, and drama.
Composer Biography
Anton Bruckner was deeply rooted in the Catholic faith and meticulously kept records of his daily prayers, which was unusual for his contemporaries who embraced science and progress.
Composition History
Bruckner feared writing a 'Ninth' symphony, expressing concern that he might share Beethoven's fate of ending his life with such a work.
