Bruckner 9th...


Ever since I got into getting my system up to par, I have started listening to other things besides in-your-face rock. Don't get me wrong, I am still a metal head, but personally, I think rock is in a slump these days, and I already have all the classic stuff that I like.

I have an series of classical music from Time/Life and it is really not too bad, but it mainly focuses on "commercial" classical stuff. You know, the composers EVERYONE knows about.

Anyway, I bought a copy of Bruckner 9th that was suggested on an audiophile site, plus, I had heard alot about that symphony and about how many people use it to test systems. Well, it is short of mind blowing even if I don't really understand the music, yet. I am wondering why I never heard of Bruckner before. My education is in a sad state. What else has Bruckner done that is a recommended recording?
matchstikman
Go ahead and try and find the Karajan DG 2 CD of Bruckner's 8th Symphony - just imagine the symphony to be the musical equivalent of a novel. Bruckner's symphonies/novels tend to be long and dense, with lots of dynamic range and extremes (pianissimos to fortissimos, slow to fast). Someone else you may enjoy is Gustav Mahler, whose symphonies are even longer! Check out your local library; check out your local used CD music stores... good luck!
Simon
I agree the 4th Symphony is a good place to start with Bruckner.

Then the 7th as well. For the 7th three good choices (all on Deutche Grammophon) are;
Vienna Phil/Von Karajan, DG 429 226-2
Vienna Phil/Giulini, DG 419 627-2
Berlin/Jochum; DG 429 079-2

For the 8th, I also agree with the 2CD set of the 1989 Von Karajan recording with the Vienna Phil.
You might want to try Chailly RSO for the complete Bruckner symphonies. Also, I agree with all who vote Karajan, especially for Bruckner's eight. To continue your "education", work your way into the symphonies of Mahler, Shostakovich, Schubert, and (opera) Wagner's Ring cycle.
For the 9th, it is no contest. FURTWANGLER! He captures the mysticism and monumental spiritual development inherent in the piece. You want to talk about sound? Listen to the magical sound Furtwangler elicits from the Berlin Phil.
Furtie is the choice to go for most of the Bruckner's symphonies...also, you won't be dissapointed with Celibidache and my latest discovery Kabasta...these 3 are probably the conductors that understood Bruckner and the performances are nothing short of magic!...if you can't find these CD's, Jochum is decent and a very nice surprise was Tintner...