Bruckner: Symphony 7 (Solti)

 

I think my problem with Sir Georg Solti's recordings of Bruckner's mature symphonies in general are the lithe strings and dry sound.

Realize that, at the time of these blog posts, this is in direct comparison to Karajan and Berlin, whom I listened to before this one. Their strings are weighty and full, their ensemble deep and intense from within. It is just a preference for Berlin at this point, I think.

In the case of Symphony no. 7 in E Major, I feel much the same, but Solti's approach is different enough to appreciate on its own. Better yet, Solti can be found conducting the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra from 1965 on Decca Eloquence, a dueling performance which is very often preferred by listeners to this one from Chicago.

In any case, Solti in Chicago takes over 68 minutes in this work, much of that time spent on the second movement. Chicago works well in Bruckner's gentler moments, which in the Seventh Symphony occurs much more often than others. Otherwise, I sense a start-and-stop approach to the phrasings in the first movement, some punctuated brass with too much space between notes, both which sort-of drives me crazy, especially when climaxes just sort-of arrive at the last moment or don't sustain.

The second movement is too pacy for my wonts, losing a sense of inner momentum (simply listen to the all-too-slow Coda), especially within the second theme group, where I would like the players to sweep the music away in unbridled passion. It is the same with the string chorales, which should come at the listener in a fearful way. Chicago tends to place themselves in a comfortable box here where they don't want to move out in fear of overplaying, especially without the brass. The musical motions end up feeling prosaic - simply listen to the too-slow Coda. Dig in, guys!

The third-movement Scherzo is right up Solti and Chicago's alley, an orchestral showcase if ever there was one, although he really pulls back on the Trio. I do like the sense of drive in the last movement as well, even if it is a little too late for such matters. The solo winds are really quite characterful here, plus all of the section ensemble moments are fun to hear from Chicago, even if it also sectionalizes the music and the ecstatic joy is somewhat tamped down.

I have been tough on the Solti's Bruckner cycle following the early symphonies, let's say Symphony no. 4 and after. I know many enjoy these performances, and indeed the playing is immaculate, tidied up in Decca's clean sonics. I just want these players to get a little dirty in the process.

 

 

 

Work
Symphony 7 in E Major, WAB 107 (Nowak)
    I. Allegro moderato (21.27)
   II. Adagio (25.11)
  III. Scherzo (10.09)
  IV. Finale (11.44)

Performers
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Sir Georg Solti, conductor

Label: Decca
Year: 1988
Total Timing: 68.35

Find more Bruckner recordings HERE!