Bruckner 9th...

I have to eat my words. I pulled out my copy and listened to the Karajan 8th with VPO, and it is an epic performance. It is on the slow side, but so dramatic, sensitive, and full or color, that it is an interpretation for the ages. The VPO plays splendidly, and the recording, while not of demonstration quality, is quite good, except a little bass light and with some of the DG house sound in the sheen of the strings that can turn a little aggressive at fortissimos.

If you know and love this symphony, you really owe it to yourself to listen to this masterpiece of a performance of a truly epic work that has earned its place in the highest echelon of giant symphonic literature of the Romantic period.

Otto, the Mravinsky version is enjoyable.

Saxo, you must get a copy of Jascha Horenstein/LSO Bruckner #8 to hear a true masterpiece of a performance. HvK pales in comparison. My copy is on intaglio label, which may be hard to find, unfortunately. Another great Bruckner recording by Horenstein is #5 with BBC Symphony Orchestra on Descant.

For a complete set, Jochum is very good. He has 2 complete sets and I slightly prefer the Dresden Staatskapelle but go with whichever is cheaper; performances are that close.

Might as well weigh in on this also (a bit late but always room for more impressions). JHOLD at the begining makes good point, it is always dangerous/foolish to recommend complete set by one conductor but the complete Tintner/Naxos set at bargain price is great place to start any Bruckner collection.

The Naxos sound is actually very good and often surpasses the big labels. The orchestras are 2nd tier but play with such inspiration/passion they make up for any lack of virtuosity compared to BPO, VPO etc. Not saying every performance is great but Tintner offers many insights that elude other conductors and this would actually be my 1st choice for complete Bruckner set regardless of price.

Some of the early symphonies of the Tintner series would actually be 1st choices of any version available.

SAXO
The Karajan/DG/VPO Bruckner 8 is a great performance, this is a yardstick by which other performances will be measured.......a true "cathedral" of sound.

As to the original question what Bruckner 9th to get, I would go with Karajan/DG Galleria at mid price although again the Tintner/Naxos at budget price is very competitive.......don't care for the Walter version the critics all like.

For the absolute Brucknerian, there is but one conductor, Celibidache. Discovering the maestro in 1983, my understanding and reverence of Bruckner changed completely and forever. Try the EMI recording of the 9th. But remember, this is recommended only for the seasoned Brucknerian.