Bruckner - Symphony No 2 (Giulini-Vienna)

Release Date: 10/09/2001
Label: Testament Catalog #: 1210 Spars Code: ADD
Composer: Anton Bruckner
Conductor: Carlo Maria Giulini
Orchestra/Ensemble: Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

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.com

http://www.classicstoday.com/review.asp?ReviewNum=4391

http://www.amazon.com/Bruckner-Symphony-No-2-Anton/dp/B00005K3PZ

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/1632/brucknersymphonyno2giulzq2.gif

FLAC with Scans