GREAT Bruckner recordings

[Chuck Jackson]

I am doing a complete traversal of the symphonies of Bruckner over the next month on KCNV. I ran across a complete Naxos set in search of recordings of the Study Symphony, Die Nulte, and the 1st and 2nd. GO AND BUY THESE RECORDINGS NOW. The 8th Symphony by the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland has got to be heard to be believed. I want to eat what these guys eat for breakfast. Astounding. The other two orchestra represented are no slouches either, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the New Zealand S.O. Georg Tintner conducts the entire set. It is cheap and very musically satisfying. Anyone have an idea who the tuba player is for the Irish group? Youch, he's good.

Enjoy,
Chuck

[ahowle]

Is the fourth movement of the Eighth actually *not* played really really fast? That's the main thing that turns me off about most recordings of Bruckner 8. If I remember correctly, the tempo marking is "Feierlich - nicht schnell," which directly translates to "solemnly - not fast." Hehe, sorry I get a little "worked up" about things like that. If so, however, I'll probably pick up a recording of the eighth.

[Chuck Jackson]

If you want the absolute best interpretation of the last movement of the 8th, get the Gunter Wand, NDR Symphonie Orchestra recording. It is the best thing ever laid down as far as a Bruckner symphony goes. The rest of it ain't too shabby either!!!

Chuck

[Chuck Jackson]

Yes, the low brass do tear it up. HOWEVER, they really don't come quite close to matching the sheer musicality of the Wand recording. I place the burden of that squarely on the conductors shoulders and not the players of that VERY fine orchestra.

Chuck

[sousaphone68]

The current principal Tuba player is Francis McGee he was appointed in 1997 replacing the previous encumbent Teddy Pritzel.
Francis studied in Glasgow and played with the Scottish symphony so it could be him on your other recording as well