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Anton Bruckner: Symphony No. 8

Starring: Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Format: PAL Widescreen
Released: 02 Apr 2002
RRP: £19.99
Average Rating:

Customer Reviews

Bruckner's 8th performed in 'his' church - By: Dr. Paul R. Terry, 18 Apr 2002
This performance was obviously a very special event. The Vienna Philharmonic gave the world premiere of the symphony in 1891, & the Monastery was Bruckner's home for many years before he moved to Vienna : indeed, he is buried beneath the very church where this performance was given. The special intensity comes across extremely well, & everyone gives of their best, not just the performers, but also the camera team under the experienced direction of Brian Large. For me, the high point is the climax of the slow movement (bar 239), where the sound of the Orchestra seems somehow even more sumptuous than before, & the camera comes to rest on the conductor's face, as Boulez alllows the stunning impact of Bruckner's symphonic concept to make its point in the acoustic that he surely had in mind when composing his epic works.

The accompanying documentary track makes some fascinating points both about Bruckner himself, & Boulez' interpretation of the Symphony. Altogether, a noble reading captured in excellent sound, & with clear 'unfussy' camera work.

An excellent DVD of a fabulous concert - By: Alexander Leach, 21 Mar 2001
Decent classical concert DVDs are a rarity, but this is one which I think repays repeated viewings. The recording was released on CD by Deutsche Grammophon in 2000, when it garnered fine reviews. Not a first choice for this work on CD, but a compelling version nonetheless.

The performance is very fine, quickish, & gloriously played & recorded in the Abbey of St Florian where Bruckner is buried. The finale is perhaps the most exciting on record. The sound is excellent, bearing in mind the ecclesiastical venue.

The camera (well, eight of them actuallly) often lingers on the glorious architecture of this magnificent building, but for most of the time Boulez & the VPO are the focus of the viewer.

The image is outstanding, in genuine 1.85:1 widescreen. The case doesn't say if it is anamorphic, but I can't imagine it being better.

There is a 15 minute documentary (in German, but the subtitles are good), which is mainly taken up with an interesting interview with Boulez.

The DVD is PAL only, which I suppose means European R2 & perhaps R4.