Bruckner Symphony No. 8 - Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra - Herbert von Karajan

Super Bruckner 8; terrific sound

Super Bruckner 8; terrific HDTT high-res sound I am in von K's corner for these huge orchestral scores, and the sound brings me back to the old days of the Berlin Phil under his baton, luv it!

Bruckner and Karajan

Recorded around the time Karajan was made conductor for life of the Berlin Philharmonic, this first stereo recording made by him has always been a favourite of mine since first hearing this recording at school. Obviously the sound on later recordings - one with the BPO and his last with the VPO are special in their own right, but there is a freshness and vitality in this recording beautiful transferred - I bought the DSD 64 transfer- which is made so much clearer than the LP or early CD transfer ever did. Superb

Karajan's Mastery of Bruckner in a Different Light

As usual, Karajan is unsurpassed in capturing the majesty of the score. Here the atmosphere is more subdued than in his subsequent recordings, with much of the Olympian control marking the 1975 remake but notably warmer phrasing and a more natural acoustic. The greatest liability here, I think, is the mid-range-heavy EMI sound, reproduced here, at least, with satisfying clarity. (I haven't heard the various official alternatives on CD.) There is room for more dynamic interpretations, and I would not want this as my sole recording, but I wouldn't want to be without it, either. Five stars for the unforced eloquence and grand sweep, culminating in a thoroughly moving final coda.