Just in the Nick of Time

 

Sir Georg joined the Choir Invisible in 1997.

This recording was set down in 1995. I don't if the Hungarian conductor had a history with Bruckner's early symphony, but Georg Solti has forever given us the pleasure of his talents with the young composer's compositions through this recording.

It is generally believed Solti's headlong, rough handling of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra benefits Bruckner's earliest symphonies best. Solti plays them for excitement and thrills, and until Bruckner reaches his middle period and maturity, such an approach is heralded to some degree.

This recording is certainly the fastest I know of Bruckner's Symphony no. 0. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra times in at 38 minutes in length, whereas the median probably lies somewhere around the 41-43 minute mark. One can certainly hear Solti lashing out at the brass across the towering 12-minute (!) first movement, where the music almost becomes strident, yet thrilling all the same.

Solti makes the second movement flow strongly, an Andante I never felt needed extra dwelling upon. The third and fourth movements become virtuosic orchestral showpieces for Chicago, displaying their alacrity in Bruckner's more complex textures and winged tempos.

Had I not heard Gerd Schaller's beautiful, warmly rounded sounding live performance from 2015, I would think this recording an electrically-charged feat. Bringing early Bruckner to success is not always easy, and both conductors achieve excellent results, just in different ways. I guess, I would say if you are worried about being entertained, go for Solti, and if you want to hear the sheer beauty of Bruckner, go for Schaller, although there are a host of recordings to choose from otherwise. These two remain favorites of mine.

 

 

 

 

Work
Symphony 0 in D minor 'Nullte', WAB 100
    I. Allegro (12.38)
   II. Andante (10.26)
  III. Scherzo (6.01)
  IV. Finale (8.48)

Performers
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Sir Georg Solti, conductor

Label: Decca
Year: 1996
Total Timing: 37.53

 

 

 

 

I never thought I would say it, but Sir Georg Solti and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra may be too combustible for me in Bruckner's Symphony no. 0.

Never is this bad however, and I could imagine this performance being a favorite. Especially if you don't truck with early Bruckner symphonies.

Certainly, this recording never lacks in excitement! RIP Sir Georg.