Anton Bruckner’s symphonies are among the most important works in the symphonic repertoire. He is a composer who, in recent years, has begun to rival Mahler himself in terms of record releases. This article focuses on the complete editions of Bruckner’s symphonies, with one exception. For the sake of simplicity, it includes editions containing symphonies Nos. 00–9, 0–9 and 1–9. The focus is also consistently on box sets featuring a single conductor.
Eugen Jochum / Berliner Philharmoniker / Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks (Deutsche Grammophon)
The first complete commercial release of Bruckner’s symphonies (Nos. 1–9) on record was Eugen Jochum’s recording with the Berliner Philharmoniker and the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks in the 1960s. Personally, however, I have mixed feelings about his interpretations. One of his strengths is the spontaneity and fervour with which he approaches music-making. A minus point is his often recurring subjective whims that disturb the overall impression.
Andris Nelsons / Gewandhausorchester Leipzig (Deutsche Grammophon)
One of the latest Bruckner cycles available on record is Andris Nelsons’s recording with the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, released by Deutsche Grammophon. These interpretations are consistently of a high standard in terms of orchestral playing and sound quality. Nelson’s Bruckner recordings have a winning spontaneity and warmth, even if he has not yet fully matured as a conductor of this repertoire.
Herbert von Karajan / Berliner Philharmoniker (Deutsche Grammophon)
Herbert von Karajan’s Bruckner symphony cycle with the Berliner Philharmoniker, released on Deutsche Grammophon, has long been considered one of the finest recordings of this repertoire. However, Karajan’s greatest strength lies in his interpretations of the later symphonies. Karajan is one of the few conductors who can penetrate the heart of symphonies Nos. 5 and 7–9. His performances of Nos. 1–3 and 6 are majestic, but lack the final magic.
Marek Janowski / Orchestre de la Suisse Romande (Pentatone)
Marek Janowski’s recordings with the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande (nos. 1–9) on Pentatone, that also include the Third Mass, are highly recommended. In terms of sound, few can rival this, and if you have access to Super Audio CD (SACD), the music-making gains an extra dimension. The performances are powerful and skilfully structured.
Daniel Barenboim / Chicago Symphony Orchestra (Deutsche Grammophon)
Of Daniel Barenboim’s three complete cycles, the first with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra from the 1970s (Deutsche Grammophon) is widely considered to be the best. The standard of inspiration is consistently high, and the renowned Chicago orchestra plays powerfully, with magnificent brass. The box set also contains Symphony No. 0 and Te Deum.
Georg Solti / Chicago Symphony Orchestra (Decca)
Sir Georg Solti spent a long time working on his complete Bruckner cycle (Nos. 0–9 ) with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for Decca, only tackling the early symphonies towards the end of his life. Solti’s performances are powerful, few others can rival them, and the standard of orchestral playing is unmatched by most other cycles. His interpretations of symphonies Nos. 0–2 and 4–6 must rank among the best. Unfortunately, the performances of the last three symphonies, Nos. 7–9, do not quite rise to the same level.
Günter Wand / Kölner Rundfunk-Sinfonie-Orchester (RCA)
Günter Wand is widely regarded as one of the greatest interpreters of Bruckner’s music. He achieved his breakthrough with the release of his recordings of Symphonies Nos. 1–9 with the Kölner Rundfunk-Sinfonie-Orchester in the 1970s. These interpretations are characterised by great drama and sincerity, and are considered ideal. However, Wand’s later separate Bruckner recordings with the NDR Sinfonieorchester and Berliner Philharmoniker on RCA are characterised by even greater insight and maturity, and these should be listened to first.
Bernard Haitink / Concertgebouworkest (Decca)
Like Günter Wand, Bernard Haitink is one of the most prolific Bruckner conductors on record. His complete series of symphonies (Nos. 0–9) with the Concertgebouw Orchestra on Decca (earlier Philips) is, in many ways, the most comprehensive available. The soundstage is clear and dynamic, and the orchestral playing is both elegant and majestic. Although Haitink recorded this series early in his career, in the ’60s and ’70s, and later refined his interpretations, the Dutch conductor’s understanding of these works is still particularly impressive.
Christian Thielemann / Wiener Philharmoniker (Sony)
A best contender for the 2020s is the recently released box set of all eleven Bruckner symphonies, performed by Christian Thielemann and the Wiener Philharmoniker and released by Sony. Thielemann has developed into one of the great Bruckner conductors in recent years. He has his own ideas about the music, focusing primarily on sound and unity. His interpretations are extremely well thought out, with a well-balanced orchestra that is powerful without being noisy or vulgar.
Herbert Blomstedt / Gewandhausorchester Leipzig (Accentus)
My choice is Herbert Blomstedt’s cycle (Nos. 1–9) with the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig on Accentus, recorded in the 2000s. Like Haitink, Blomstedt has great insight into this music, bringing out its nuances and visionary aspects. His interpretations are architecturally thoughtful yet also emphasise the spiritual dimensions.
Bonus
Last but not least is Sergiu Celibidache’s Bruckner recordings with the Münchner Philharmoniker, released by Warner. While the cycle is incomplete, it includes Symphonies 3–9, the Te Deum and the Third Mass. Celibidache’s Bruckner is special and may not be to everyone’s taste. His tempos are very slow, but I find his interpretations particularly convincing for their visionary power.
