Bruckner: Symphony 7 (Karajan)

 

With Herbert von Karajan, there is quite a lot to choose from amongst his various recording of the Symphony no. 7 in E Major.

Most will point to his earlier recording on EMI with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra from 1970. Also, his recording with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra is notable mainly due to it being his last recording before his death.

This recording with Berlin comes from 1975, and with each successive performance, Karajan moves slight faster than the earlier. Although here at 64 minutes, Karajan and Berlin were never dawdlers to begin with.

The Seventh Symphony is by and far my favorite from Karajan and Berlin thus far. The pace is steady and concentrated, yet flowing. The intensity is simply unbearable in portions, where even the most syrupy moments are given plenty of inner tension in the playing. The climaxes are very well prepared, especially the major Wagner apex toward the end of the second movement.

And yet, by the end of the symphony, I feel this is one of the composer's most gentle contributions to the genre, and coming from Karajan with Berlin. The wind and brass solos are succulent, the strings are weighty yet torqued, and the brass ensembles are well balanced. The Scherzo is frightening, while the solemn Wagner procession is solemn yet intense. What more could one ask for?

All in all, I think this is a special recording, one I would have no problem making as a prime recommendation. And that is not taking into account this team's earlier 70s EMI recording.

 

 

 

 

Work
Symphony 7 in E Major, WAB 107 (Haas)
    I. Allegro moderato (20.06)
   II. Adagio (21.55)
  III. Scherzo (9.50)
  IV. Finale (12.26)

Performers
Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Herbert von Karajan, conductor

Label: DGG
Year: 1975
Total Timing: 64.40

 

 

 

 

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