Bruckner: Symphony 9 (Solti)

 

Compared to how I felt about Anton Bruckner's late symphonies from Chicago and Solti, I don't mind this one all that much.

Perhaps it is because Bruckner himself transitions better in Symphony no. 9 in D minor, but I rarely feel Solti merely happens upon significant moments, as has been my issue in the past.

Sometimes Sir Georg surges ahead too excitingly from time to time, or pulls back too far, but I think Chicago handles the lyrical portions well opposite the clangor which pops up again and again.

As one of the fleetest Scherzos in Bruckner's late symphonies, the middle movement makes a good orchestral showpiece for Chicago. I could imagine a more fateful terror in the final movement, at least in places where such an adjective would warrant, and the final inevitability doesn't seem as portentously well prepared. However, this is still a fine way to hear this symphony, capping off a hit-and-miss cycle on an unexpected high point for this listener.

 

 

 

Work
Symphony 9 in D minor, WAB 109 (Nowak)
    I. Feierlich; misterioso (23.37)
   II. Scherzo (10.12)
  III. Adagio (26.56)

Performers
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Sir Georg Solti, conductor

Label: Decca
Year: 1986
Total Timing: 60.45

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