The 2011 Playlist
Many people were intrigued with my "Kapellmeister" theme, but there was a clear consensus that we should be listening to modern (stereo) recordings versus historical (monaural) editions. This was especially the case given Ken's superb sound system. There were several requests for some form of presentation and Ben Korstvedt has graciously agreed to share some of his latest research on the Symphony No. 4. Ben offered a unique twist of his own which I have decided to try. We will mix up the sequence of presentation. The following is the sequence with my present recommendations for recordings: 8:00AM B6: Heinz Bongartz / Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra (CD) In the early days of stereo, this East German Eterna recording (issued in the West by Philips on their budget Workd Series label) was always considered a top contender in what was a limited catalog of competing recordings. Let's see if it still deserves recognition. 9:00 AM B3: Hans Zender / SWR Symphony Orchestra (Archive) Hans Zender is one of those hard-working and gifted conductors who has remained out of the limelight but has offered up some wonderful recordings. I think you will find his performance of the 1873 First Version to be something special. 10:10AM B7: Yakov Kreizberg / Vienna Symphony Orchestra (SACD) *In Memoriam* We lost a young and gifted conductor with the death of Yakov Kreizberg. It seems only fitting that we present one of his Bruckner performances at this year's Brucknerathon 11:25AM - Presentation by William Carragan 11:45 - Break for lunch 12:40AM B4: Franz Konwitschny / Vienna Symphony Orchestra The Konwitschny Bruckner Fourth has been released on may labels over the years with credits given to both the Vienna Symphony and the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestras. I cannot surmise the reason for this confusion but my guess is that it's Vienna Symphony. 1:40PM - Presentation by Benjamin Korstvedt 2:00PM B1: Vaclav Neumann / Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra (CD) In the days of the LP, this recording was only available in the US as an import. Fortunately, it has been better served on CD. It's a rare chance to hear Neumann conducting Bruckner. 3:00PM D-minor: Asahina / Tokyo Metropolitan Orchestra (Fontec CD) Takashi Asahina recorded three Bruckner cycles and dozens of individual performances. But only one cycle contains the early Symphony in D Minor. This one isn't it. It's a great individual recording. 3:50PM F-minor: Gennadi Rozhdestvensky / USSR Ministry of Culture Orchestra (CD) Rozhdestvensky's very complete cycle contains this spirited performance of the "Study Symphony." 4:45PM B2: Dean Dixon / Hessian Radio Symphony Orchestra (Archive) Dean Dixon was great American conductor. In spite of frequent and highly praised guest appearances, Dixon was never able to secure a permanent position in the US as a music director. It seems that the color barrier was still firmly in place for this top orchestral post. Dixon eventually emigrated to Europe where he had a very successful career which culminated with the directorhip of the Hessian Radio Symphony Orchestra in Frankfurt. Dixon rarely returned to the United States. Dixon had a strong affinity for Bruckner and conducted all of the symphonies while in Frankfurt. Here is a rare opportunity to hear one of his recordings. 5:55PM - Break for Dinner 7:00PM B8: Lovro von Matacic / NHK Symphony Orchestra (DVD) This NHK performance of Symphony No. 8 has always been held in high esteem, but only recently has the video been offered. As we switch over to video in the evening hours, here is a first change to WATCH this classic performance. 8:20PM B5: Paavo Jaervi / European Youth Orchestra (DVD) The wonderful thing about this video is not so much the sympathetic leadership of Paavo Jarvi, but the fascination in watching this young group of international all-stars sink their teeth into this monumental work. It is an encouraging sign for the future. 9:45PM B9: Stanislaw Skrowaczewski / Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra (Blu-Ray) Stanislaw Skrowaczewski has built his international career on his excellent performances of Bruckner's symphonies. What better way to end the cycle then with one of his great performances offered in stunning HD video and audio. 11:00PM B9 Finale: Gerd Schaller / Philharmonie Festiva German conductor, Gerd Schaller, in collaboration with William Carragan, has been cooking up some fascinating Bruckner programs at the annual Ebrach BrucknerFest. One of their first collaborations was a performance of the Symphony No. 9 with Will's latest version of the Finale completion. As an encore, we will play this Finale which has just been issued on a Profil CD. 11:23PM - Festivities conclude |
