Bruckner Symphony No.4(last movement) - 1874 version

This is a recording of Bruckner's original vision for his Fourth Symphony. After completing this work in 1874, he felt at odds with it and as early as 1878 he proceeded to revise the whole work. The third movement in the 1874 version was entirely scraped and a whole new movement was written. On advise from his students and friends Bruckner often re-worked his symphonies. The most notable re-workings were done on the First, Second, Third, Fourth and Eighth Symphonies. There are so many versions especially of the Third and Fourth, that just trying to marry a score with the right recording is practically impossible. Even Hitler had his hands in having all of the symphonies re-scored to bring out the majesty of the Third Reich. The 'original' version of the Third is almost 30 minutes longer than the version that we hear in the concert halls today.

The First Symphony has two versions: one that is known as the 'Linz' version(original) and the much later 'Vienna' version(much beefed up orchestration). The recordings to purchase, if you want to hear some of these 'original' versions, can be found on the Naxos label. Georg Tintner did much to preserve Bruckner's original intentions. As in the case of his recording of the Fourth, he stuck with the version(1880) that is heard in the concert halls. For a great reference recording of the 1874 version, I heartily recommend the Sony recording with Kent Nagano conducting the Bavarian State Orchestra.....quite spectacular! If you know this work, the 1874 version will really surprise you! If you don't know either versions, I suggest starting with the 1880 version(everybody records this one). When purchasing the above mentioned symphonies, please take care to get the "right" ones that are performed in the concert halls.

Although this post is only a fragment from the last movement, try to compare it with my next post. Be prepared to be surprised!

Discover and be amazed!