Track Listing

1. Symphony No. 7 in E major, WAB 107: Allegro moderato
2. Symphony No. 7 in E major, WAB 107: Adagio. Sehr feierlich und sehr langsam
3. Symphony No. 7 in E major, WAB 107: Scherzo. Sehr schnell
4. Symphony No. 7 in E major, WAB 107: Finale. Bewegt, doch nicht schnell

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #22671 in Music
• Released on: 2000-10-02
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Dimensions: .24 pounds

Album Details
Gunter Wand was the Last of What Many Regard to have Been the Greatest Generation of Bruckner Conductors. This Glorious Interpretation of Bruckner's Seventh Symphony was Among Wand's Final Recordings and it features all of the Knowing Characteristics which Sealed his Distinguished Reputation. Tempos Are Often Treacherously Powerful and Broad, and his Ability to Shift Dynamics and Subtly Gradate Orchestral Texture is Peerless. The Berlin Philharmonic Are Remarkably Responsive Throughout Performing with a Clarity and Precision Only an Orchestra with their Many Decades of Experience with Conductors Who've Continued to Champion Bruckner Could. The Sound is Appropriately Big and Full with a Solid Presence that Belies Its Live Recording.

Customer Reviews

Wand does it again
No one handles Bruckner like Gunter Wand. He was the last of the generation of Bruckner interpreters. And right before his death he left us his final interpretations of the late famous Bruckner Symphonies. Wand's handling of Bruckner's 7th Symphony is something very special. As with all his Bruckner interpretations, Wand handles the master quite effectively with broad tempos, large sonics, and strict control. The Berlin Philharmonic, as always, responds with characteristic precision. But here, in these live performances, they offer something more. Their sound is so balanced, so pure, so beautiful that its difficult to listen to Bruckner any other way. From the inspired opening of the Allegro to the mighty finale, Wand is on fire here. This is the Bruckner 7 to own!

Superb in every way
Until about two months ago, I don't think I ever had listened to a Gunter Wand cd, but I listened to this Bruckner 7th after I had heard his thrilling Bruckner 9th. They're pretty much equal in greatness but this Bruckner 7th is played and interpreted to perfection in all four movements. I have always been cautious of live recordings because many times I don't like the sound of them but this sounds better than most studio versions do. He is really good in the second movement adagio though not quite as good as Jochum's 1964 Bruckner 7th from the DG boxed set (which should have been put out as a single cd also) and about equal to Bohm's VPO version from 1977 but those other two versions might slightly beat Wand in the 2nd movement adagio, though when you're looking at the Symphony as a integrated whole this Wand version is just about as good. As a whole though this is a must have cd for any Bruckner lover. Believe me, this is about the best version in at least the last twenty years. I don't think I'll be as shy of buying live recordings because I think they are now sounding as good as the studio takes. Just buy this now and you might think about getting his Bruckner 9th, 8th, and last but not least the 4th. Happy listening!!!