Bruckner - Symphony No.2 (Giulini)
Bruckner - Symphony No.2 (Giulini)
Carlo Maria Giulini | Vienna Symphony Orchestra
FLAC+Cue+Log | Scans | 1 CD | 276 MB
Classical | Testament | 2001
Carlo Maria Giulini | Vienna Symphony Orchestra
FLAC+Cue+Log | Scans | 1 CD | 276 MB
Classical | Testament | 2001
This glowing account of Bruckner's most purely lyrical symphony makes a welcome reappearance on Testament. Giulini's typical warmth and sincerity may not offer the most exciting experience around, and his use of the 1877 version (Nowak Edition) chops out some fine music, especially in the finale. But a slightly less lengthy work arguably suits the conductor's kindly, gentle view better than something larger and potentially grander. He secures lovely playing from the orchestra: Listen to the singing tone of the cellos in their principal first-movement theme, or the trio of the scherzo. The brass do their bit too, with the ubiquitous "Bruckner rhythm" enunciated sonorously and without coarseness. At the heart of the performance lies as soulful an account of the serene Andante as anyone could ask. Vintage mid-1970s EMI sound, finely restored, puts the final seal on the reissue of an important and very desirable discographic rarity. Get it while you can. [12/19/2001]David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday
Program
Symphony No. 2 in C minor ("Symphony of Pauses"), WAB 102