Bruckner: Symphonies (Karajan)

 

Herbert von Karajan simply 'got' Anton Bruckner's symphonies. While the composer's sectionalization of musical ideas and sudden shifts of tempo could render a performance as incomprehensible, these elements do not faze the German conductor.

Karajan takes tempo changes organically, making long periods of silence fit what came before and comes after, usually unmetrically. He does not suddenly shift, but exudes calm waters on the surface, while fierce roiling occurs underneath. In this way, Karajan is not a push-and-pull sort of leader in the music of Bruckner, and I appreciate the absence of seasickness from any gear changes.

Furthermore, the conductor has Berlin full of intensity and inner fire throughout, never leaving the music to descend into torpor or somnambulisms. Even the lyrical and pastoral contrasts from Bruckner are filled with import and purpose, rather than wallowing in mere beauty. Best of all, Karajan knew how to prepare for climaxes and come off of them. He goes for the long preparation, guiding the listener toward and away from important moments in the score with great skill.

Some find Berlin's strings too smooth, whatever that means. Perhaps it is the depth of the string sound melded with a sense of legato line, but if I can take anything away from the strings, it is their ferociousness and pliability in textural changes. Some lament the winds and brass are given second status compared to the strings, but I really don't sense that. The brass are imperious in this music; if anything I would like the trumpets to be less forward and the horns goosed up in their many, many section moments. So too, the winds get plenty of moments in the sun, where the balances keep them in the listener's ear at all times.

Karajan and Berlin really excel in Symphonies 4 through 9, and rule the roost in Symphonies 7 through 9. I don't know that the conductor did much with the early symphonies in performance, and these recordings may be the only ones from this team. Whereas in the later symphonies, recordings from Karajan and Berlin or Karajan and Vienna are too numerous to choose from, either early or late career performances.

Even on Blu-ray, the sound is less opulent in the early symphonies. Even in Symphony no. 4, I heard a harshness I didn't care for. Those early Symphonies 1 through 3 hardly need a velvet glove treatment which Karajan provides, so my allegiances lie elsewhere. But no one would call these poor; just out of Karajan's wheelhouse. The physical media is excellent while the booklet notes suffice.

So yes, there are detriments to this set. Yet, I will award this my highest of recommendations, for Karajan's vision of Bruckner is very much aligned with what I want to hear from the composer's symphonies. There are many ways to approach Bruckner's symphonic works, but few truly give me the goods throughout.

 

 

 

 

Performers
Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Herbert von Karajan, conductor

Label: Deutsche Grammophon
Year: 1976-1981; 2019
Total Timing: 19.15.23

 

 

A terrific set of Bruckner symphonies from a conductor who really understood how to get these works to make sense. The drama and beauty from Berlin is simply unparalleled.

The Blu-ray is probably unnecessary, but I enjoy the fidelity just fine, and it is much easier to work with than 9 CDs.

 

 

 

 

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