CD - Symphonies 4 & 7: Furtwaengler's Fragmentary 1941 Recordings

In 1941, when the Third Reich was still in its ascendancy, Wilhelm Furtwaengler was actively conducting the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra for German audiences.

While these live performances were not recorded by the radio, parts of these performances were recorded off the radio in Vienna Dr. Hermann May, a sound engineer primarily known for the live recordings he made during performances of the Vienna State Opera from 1933 to 1944. Thanks to his recording, it is now possible to hear segments of these performances as they were broadcast.

They now provide us with the earliest examples of Furtwaengler's Bruckner and they provide an example of his interpretations when he was at the peak of his abilities. The sound quality of these recordings do not match the quality of other recordings from this time and place, but they provide an important sound document for anyone interested in Bruckner's music and Furtwaengler's interpretations.
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DISC # 1
ANTON BRUCKNER: Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (61'20")

1) Bewegt nicht zu schnell (16'33")
2) Andante quasi Allegretto (17'40")
3) Scherzo. Bewegt - Trio. Nicht zu schnell ( 8'51")
4) Finale. Bewegt, doch nicht zu schnell (18'10")

Recording Date: December 14~16, 1941

DISC # 2
ANTON BRUCKNER: Symphony No. 7 in E Major (30'06")

1) Allegro moderato ( 4'18")
2) Adagio. Sehr feierlich und sehr langsam (17'24")
3) Scherzo. Sehr schnell ( 8'17")

Recording Date: February 2~4, 1941
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-Wilhelm Furtwängler (1886-1954)
-Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

Source: RRG Broadcasts
Recording Location: Berlin, Germany