Customer Reviews

Bruckner Remembered (Composers remembered series)

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A gem of a book in this wonderful series --- this small volume will surprise you with anecdotes and stories of Bruckner's life --- definitely not the theoretical exercise that is popularly supposed. Interesting in particular is the clash between Bruckner and Brahms --- between the sublime and the merely very good. Highly recommended in place of the overpriced and overinflated academic Bruckner studies which are proliferating.

In the domain of Brucknerian bibliography, there are two mandatory acquisitions: Robert Simpson's survey of the Symphonies (& the String Quintet) and the wonderful tome in question. What with all the eruptions that have occured since 1896, it is possible to bridge the gap that lies between the Great Man and ourselves, the rich mendicants of the Twenty First Century? Has Bruckner been culturally ossified beyond redemption, much like his bust that resides in the Regensburg Valhalla? I do not know. But as the anecdotes unfold, one by one, in this book, we inch ever closer to Anton himself in all of his complexity. The author is to be lauded: his work is completely devoid of egotism and pedantry. It is a model of its kind.

The anecdote (page 28 onwards) re Bruckner, the boys, the diving-pool and the cat-burglar is a Pearl of Great Price.

If Bruckner is a wellspring of meaning in your life, this book demands to be on your shelf, and be well thumbed at that.