Track Listing

1. 1. Allegro
2. 2. Andante quasi allegretto
3. 3. Sehr schnell; Trio. Im gleichen Tempo
4. 4. Allegro moderato

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #316372 in Music
• Released on: 1990-07-24
• Number of discs: 1

Customer Reviews

The early version of this symphony
Meek man that he was, Bruckner submitted most of his symphonies to revision, frequently at the behest of well-meaning, if uncomprehending, friends. This resulted in the so-called "Bruckner problem" in which several symphonies exist in different versions. In the case of the 4th symphony, there are 3 main version (worked on in 1874, 1880 & 1889 respectively). Traditionally, we hear the 1880 version with the so-called "Hunting horn" scherzo.

This recording uses the original (if one can EVER say a Bruckner score is the original) 1874 version. In many ways it sounds like a completely different piece of music from the well-known 1880 version. In addition to a different scherzo, this version of the 4th frequently uses quintuplets in place of the more famous "Bruckner rhythm" of duplet+triplet (perhaps why the piece was initally deemed unplayable by the Vienna Philharmonic). Differing ostinatos, changed orchestration and completely different episodes in the first, second and fourth movements make this an interesting musical experience for anyone who knows the later revision.

However, where Bruckner's revisions in the 5th symphony, for instance, disfigured that piece, virtually all his revisions in the fourth make it a better piece. Although I was repeated fascinated by episodes in this version of the 4th, it simply does NOT hold together as a piece as well as the revision. This is especially true in the finale where unrelated episodes sit cheek by jowl without any overriding coherence. (The finale of the 1880 revision is completely successful, either, but it sounds far more coherent than this.) Also, the older scherzo is simply not as inspired as the "Hunting horn" opus.

Lopez-Cobos does us a service by recording this version, which he clearly feels an affinity for. He delights in many of the episodes later changed and does his best to hold the piece together. The orchestra plays well, although I felt they lacked some of the heft usually found in German/Austrian orchestras playing Bruckner. Telarc provides it's usual high-quality sound.

Overall, this certainly isn't the ONLY Bruckner 4th you should have. A good version of the 1880 revision, such as Bohm, is an absolute necessity. But if you want to get an idea of how Bruckner's mind worked, you should pick this up and listen to it in tandem with the 1880 revision. While it isn't as great as the revision, there is music here that delights the ear and reveals what a true visionary Bruckner was.

Lets hope for more 1874 bruckner fourths
I disagree with Evan Wilson that the latter revisions make this work a better piece. I feel that this original version is better than the 1880 version in all aspects.

The 1874 version possesses a sense of exquisite beauty and originality. When I first listened to this version, I was struck by its strong message of beauty, sorrow, calm and romance. While the message in the 1880 version is the same, the message was not as strong and much less inspiring. Much of raw power of the content had been mellowed down by revisions to make the work more acceptable to public at that time.

However my gripe with this recording is the quality of the playing. For the 1880 version, there is a large selection of very very well played recordings of the world's best orchestras and conductors. Bohm, Karajan(especially Karajan), Furtwangler, etc. While Jesus Lopez Cobos does fare quite well with his orchestra, he somewhat falls short when compared to the very best. I feel that the problems mentioned by Evan Wilson is due to this rather than the music itself. I can only imagine how it would sound like should the 1874 be played by top musicians.

Romantic Bruckner?
Romantic? Not quite. Pastoral would be a more apt title. This symphony is full of hunting horn themes. The motives are organic and pure but never too lusty. In fact, the structure might even remind you of the dark tone poem "Le Chasseur Maudit" by Franck. The third movement, "Sehr schnell" works up a good lather and the finale tops it off perfectly with Bruckner's signature monolithic brass. The strings and brass interact beautifully together unlike some Bruckner where they compete for territory. Telarc captures the Cincinnati Symphony with clear, well-balanced dynamics. A wonderful glimpse of the sunnier side of Bruckner.