Owning many of the boxed sets from the big labels, which the Querstand now displaces, I would characterize Blomstedt’s approach as “dynamic introspection” or “dynamic idealism” versus the more theatrical and emotive approach of HvK or Chailly. With Blomstedt (as with Celibidache and sometimes with Wand) I will hear motifs/counterpoint that are hidden or indistinct in most recordings and I will rush to the score to marvel at Bruckner’s genius in fine details. A good example is the opening of the last movement in the fourth. I must have listened to this music for 30 years without hearing that the hunting horn theme from the third movement is layered into the first fast theme of the fourth movement. Bruckner seems a thicket partly because conductors can’t rely on the patience of listeners and hence can scurry through to the noisy moments (you are guilty, Herr Welser-Möst).
I agree re: what I've heard of the Schaller, not least because his 9th symphony is indeed complete. Just because Bruckner only himself finished 3 movements and substantial sketches is no longer, to -my- ears, reason not to want to hear what can be made of those sketches by sufficiently good minds and a terrific conductor and orchestra (it is to be hoped.) (Rattle, too.)
Dear Ralph - thank you for posting your well-considered thoughts on your personal recommendations for Bruckner recordings. I have only one criticism, and that is referring to the Karajan Bruckner Symphony box as "complete" - it is not. It contains nine of Bruckner's eleven symphonies and by definition is not complete. There are a number of integral recordings of all eleven symphonies, first and foremost in my opinion, that of Skrowaczewski on Oehms. Or Simone Young, also on Oehms. Or Gerd Schaller on Profil. Or Markus Bosch on Coviello. All of those contain all eleven symphonies and therefore justify the description "complete." As will be the emerging cycles by Thielemann and Poschner.
A better descriptor of Karajan is "The Nine Numbered Symphonies". Same with Jochum, for that matter.
I don't want to seem a nit-picker, but I think it is important to reinforce the emerging awareness, especially with more recent conductors, that Bruckner wrote 11, not 9 symphonies!
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