If you haven't yet discovered the artistry of Carl Schuricht, here is a golden opportunity. Schuricht was a gentle giant among conductors of his generation: self-effacing, unglamorous, totally dedicated to both the letter and the spirit of the score. In the case of Bruckner, these attributes are particularly important, for his introverted muse retreats at any hint of glamorization or excess opulence.
There are several Schuricht accounts of both symphonies available, but these are his only studio recordings. Listeners who don't mind the exigencies of live performances are encouraged to check out broadcast versions of the Eighth and Ninth by Schuricht and the SWR Stuttgart symphony orchestra, available on Hänssler Classics. Though in terms of orchestral execution, they are far from perfect performances, the interpretations are generally more spontaneous and intense than was the case in these early stereo recordings from EMI. Like Furtwängler, Schuricht was somewhat shy of the recording studio, and his commercial recordings can sound inhibited when compared to the many live accounts of the same repertoire.
That having been said, no-one in likely to complain that these famous recordings from EMI, featuring the VPO at its considerable best, and spacious, well-focused early Stereo sonics, are anything less than deeply satisfying. Indeed, they are little short of glorious. The Eighth, in particular, successfully combines elemental vigor with high contemplation, in a reading that always maintains forward impulse yet never seems rushed. Due to Schuricht favoring the somewhat truncated 1890 edition of the score, along with his proclivity for brisk tempos, the entire performance takes only 71'--one of the quickest, in terms of overall timing, on record. Yet Schuricht manages to achieve a sense of spaciousness, indeed graciousness, that many more deliberate accounts miss.
The naturalness and purity of Schuricht's approach also works well in the the Ninth, though I can think of several other versions (Furtwängler, Horenstein, Solti, Karajan) that bring out the grimness and turbulence of Bruckner's harrowing vision more effectively. Some listeners might find Schurcht a wee bit tame in comparison with these other classic accounts of the score (yes, I consider Solti's a classic account of the score; try it, you'll like it!). Yet there is a place on my shelf, and in my heart, for Schuricht's warmly lyrical, less demonstrative interpretation--more "settled" than unsettling though it is.
As indicated, in both of these works, all departments of the VPO play superbly. The sound, though early Stereo, is remarkably good--as warm and ingratiating as the performances themselves.
Too bad this set, once economically priced, is now available only as an expensive import. Given price differentials, I suppose it would be imprudent of me to recommend this over bargain-priced versions of these works. Yet I strongly urge listeners who haven't yet explored Schuricht's distinctive way with this composer to consider purchase; you won't be disappointed--for these are by any standard truly exceptional recordings of these highest peaks in the Brucknerian range.
NOTE: Since I wrote this review these two classic Bruckner recordings have been reissued in an EMI "Icon" bargain box along with Schuricht's equally fine Bruckner 3 and his complete Beethoven Symphony cycle with the Paris Conservatoire. All for just about what you would pay for this now overpriced 2-CD set from a couple of decades ago.
5つ星のうち5.0A marvellous interpretation of this wonderful music !
2001年1月28日に英国でレビュー済み
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In my opinion, Bruckner's 8th symphony is the greatest piece of symphonic music ever written. Massive in stature it demands an equally massive orchestra and a conductor with insight. Routine, going through the motions, will not do ! Karajan's 1989 recording with the VPO is critically rated, though my favourite, until now, has been Haitink's 1996 VPO performance. This Jochum disc oozes individuality and a clear commitment to the music. The 9th symphony is equally fine: a match for Walter. Buy these discs and you won't be disappointed (Even better, buy the complete symphonies: 9 discs at budget price !).