COMPOSERS: Bruckner
LABELS: Discover
WORKS: Symphony No. 2 in C minor
PERFORMER: BRTN PO, Brussels/Alexander Rahbari
CATALOGUE NO: DICD 920210 DDD
Rahbari, if committed to his task, turns in a poor performance. Closely recorded, it lacks spacious sound and cruelly exposes some weak upper string work and poor woodwind tuning. He uses the Haas edition, yet makes cuts in the first two movements, admittedly sanctioned by Bruckner but only half-heartedly in an attempt to get it played at any price. Nowadays no such sacrifice need be made; nor should the Scherzo repeats be ignored. Not a satisfying listen. Christopher Fifield
Bruckner: Symphony No. 2 in C minor
Rahbari, if committed to his task, turns in a poor performance. Closely recorded, it lacks spacious sound and cruelly exposes some weak upper string work and poor woodwind tuning. He uses the Haas edition, yet makes cuts in the first two movements, admittedly sanctioned by Bruckner but only half-heartedly in an attempt to get it played at any price. Nowadays no such sacrifice need be made; nor should the Scherzo repeats be ignored. Not a satisfying listen. Christopher Fifield
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:15 pm