15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Jochum's last recording worthly of everlasting cherish!, January 21, 2000
This review is from: Eugen Jochum & Bruckner's 5th Symphony (Audio CD)
It is no secret that out of all of Bruckner's symphonies, the Fifth remained the dearest to Eugen Jochum's heart and soul. On special and important occasions, such as his last live performance with the Concertgebouw Orchestra, Jochum, by tradition, included Bruckner's Fifth in his programmes.
Jochum's approach to Bruckner's Fifth Symphony was never really altered much, especially in his highly acclaimed 1964 Phillip recording (nla) of the work with the same Concertgebouw Orchestra and even in the 1980 recording with Statskapelle Dresden (EMI). Jochum readings are consistently flexible, passionate but with no exaggeration, a cathedral like grandeur and spirituality. Above all conductors, with some exceptions to Bohm, Wand, Baremboim, Solti, Haitink & Herbert von Karajan, there was truly a bond-a kinship between Jochum and Bruckner, as if they went through much of the same paths (they were both Catholic).
Jochum's last performance with the Concertgebouw (December 4th, 1986), placed a glorious crown on the conductor's dedication towards Bruckner and on the conductor's illustrious and influential career. The Concertgebouw Orchestra gave altogether a fully coherent and passionate performance of the work. The strings, especially, were with bloom, valiance, and brillance, the brass and woodwinds were crisp, responsive, alert, and ultimated enthused. The strings of the Staatskapelle Dresden have more of the richness and blend than do the Concertgebouw. But the Concertgebouw were full-blooded and involving that no one needs apology for and undoubtedly the orchestra demonstrated their admiration towards Bruckner and even Jochum, whose association with the Concertgebouw since 1941 was all but dismissive. In fact, Jochum was so pleased with the performance of the Concertgebouw that he performed the finale again, as an encore (unfortunately omitted in the Tahra 2CD set re-issue). The Tahra CD transfer was well done and gave us a confirmation of how great and important Jochum was to music as among the giants of 20th Century's conductors. One final note: Tahra included Jochum's enterprising and informative essay on the art of interpreting Bruckner. My hope is that the Tahra reissue remains undeleted.
Warmly recommended.
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best performance in the best sound., September 16, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Eugen Jochum & Bruckner's 5th Symphony (Audio CD)
This is one of the greatest performances ever recorded. This from a man who was just short of 85 and was to die in 3 months and knew this was a farwell concert. The power and energy are tremendous. I know a friend who heard this one Sunday afternoon playing in another part of the house and felt that it was God calling to her. There is something so primal and elemental that no one could fail to be deeply moved. This is simply the greatest recorded performance there may ever have been!!
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
awesome architecture, January 12, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Eugen Jochum & Bruckner's 5th Symphony (Audio CD)
This recording, albeit Jochum's last, is perhaps the finest example of his complete command of a score. The recorded sound is amazing and the Concertgebouw rise to the occasion. I would not hesitate to say that this is the best recorded version of this symphony.
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