Bruckner: Symphonie No. 6

Anton Bruckner (Composer), Otto Klemperer (Conductor), New Philharmonia Orchestra (Orchestra)

Product Details

• Orchestra: New Philharmonia Orchestra
• Conductor: Otto Klemperer
• Composer: Anton Bruckner
• Audio CD (May 7, 1990)
• SPARS Code: ADD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Angel Records
• ASIN: B000002S1I
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #88,072 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Track Listings

1. Sym No.6 in A: I. Maestoso

2. Sym No.6 in A: II. Adagio (Sehr Feierlich)

3. Sym No.6 in A: III. Scherzo (Con Moto/Moderato) & Trio

4. Sym No.6 in A: IV. Finale (Allegro Ma Non Troppo)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

There are very few recordings of mainstream classical repertoire that a critic can call "the best" and be believed. Bruckner's Sixth by Otto Klemperer is one of these--a recording on which everything just went right. "Old Klemp," as the orchestra fondly called him, was in top form, the players had a great day, and the engineers captured it all in glowingly natural sound. Part of the special quality of this performance stems from the very steady tempo of the opening theme, which allows the more lyrical second subject to blossom forth far more vigorously than usual. In fact, despite the conductor's reputation, this isn't a slow performance at all. It simply flows like some mighty river, to its appointed end. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully satisfying, September 19, 2003

By	Jeffrey Lee (Asheville area, NC USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

From the opening bars with their sense of anticipation and their grand sounding, full throated horns, Otto Klemperer leads a beautifully balanced, consistently expansive reading of one of Bruckner's most placid and joyous symphonies. This piece also might be the composer's most purely musical symphony. Though Klemperer maintains admirable control over proceedings, Bruckner's melodies, not infrequently like changing cloud patterns, are permitted to seek freely their own levels of expression. Once, in an interview, Klemperer denied he was a romantic. Well, in spite of himself he offers here a warm, flowing and sensitive performance. Sometimes, in other recordings he has made, he evinces a staid quality. You won't find any of that here. The marvelous overall impression is enhanced by full textured instrumental sounds. Brasses are powerful and assertive, and when called upon to do so they thunder. Strings often project a radiant quality. Woodwinds impress with their ripe and varied shades. All is capped off with a glorious conclusion. There's not much else to say, but there is a whole lot to appreciate in this often underappreciated symphony. Pleasant listening !

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Favorite Bruckner Sixth, January 16, 2002

By	Timothy Dougal (Madison, Wi United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

While going through a period of trying out a number of Bruckner Sixth's, and not being satisfied, I tuned the car radio to the classical station one night and caught the final movement of this recording. It was so gripping I had to stay sitting in the parked car until it was over to find out who the conductor was.

I went out and bought it and have never looked back, even though, strictly speaking the recording job, (or at any rate the remastering), could be a little better. It starts off more slowly than most performances of this work, but somehow, that allows the momentum to build inexorably. Certain passages are more beautiful and expansive than I have ever heard them without ever getting sentimental or mushy sounding. By the end I am always amazed. A real keeper!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bruckner's Best 6th..., October 22, 2007

By	Sébastien Melmoth (Beaulieu-sur-Mer, FRANCE) - See all my reviews

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The 6th seems to be the least well known of Bruckner's 11 Symphonies. The opening Maestoso [movement i] is especially complex metrically. Karajan takes a very brisk pace Bruckner: Symphonies 1-9 .

In this recording, however, Klemperer maintains tight control while expanding the time-scale to breathtaking effect.

Klemperer/PO, 1965

i Maestoso [17'02"]
ii Adagio [14'42"]
iii Scherzo [9'23"]
iv Finale [13'48"]

Edition, Haas

Out of print: get it while you still can.
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