Bruckner: Symphony No. 4 (2007)

The Symphony No. 4 in E flat major, "Romantic," by Anton Bruckner has long been one of the most popular of his symphonies, and it has received numerous performances in its multiple versions, often to the confusion and consternation of listeners who have grown familiar with only one. For this 2007 EMI release, Simon Rattle leads the Berlin Philharmonic in Leopold Nowak's 1953 edition of the 1886 version, somewhat puzzlingly also known as the "1878/1880" version, the first three movements representing Bruckner's second ... Read More

The Symphony No. 4 in E flat major, "Romantic," by Anton Bruckner has long been one of the most popular of his symphonies, and it has received numerous performances in its multiple versions, often to the confusion and consternation of listeners who have grown familiar with only one. For this 2007 EMI release, Simon Rattle leads the Berlin Philharmonic in Leopold Nowak's 1953 edition of the 1886 version, somewhat puzzlingly also known as the "1878/1880" version, the first three movements representing Bruckner's second attempt on the work, and the Finale being a replacement movement prepared for Hans Richter's 1881 premiere. Many consider this to be the most reliable version, and it is possibly the most frequently performed and recorded. Rattle's interpretation comports with most contemporary ideas about how the work should be played; to the extent that he offers no big surprises in tempo or emotional tone, and delivers a straightforward reading that doesn't disappoint, he presents a solid performance... Read Less