Thread: suggestions for Bruckner Complete Symphony set?

OK, I am ready to dive in. I am a huge Mahler fanatic, for what that is worth.

I am looking for a set that is =/contains:

1) great/stellar sound (I have been pointed in the direction of Barenboim/Berliner/Teldec) for a set with great sound. I have heard the Von Karajan Berliner set is great, but the sonics are so-so.....not sure if that is gonna work for me.

2) Not too expensive (like $30 or so from Amazon vendors)

3) Consistent. I own enough box sets to realize that box sets to realize that not one of them nails all symphonies perfect, but a solid consistent and convincing realization should be present.

4) I don't need a "classic" performance from 1943 if the sound is mediocre.....like I said, I prefer audiophile level sonics with a convincing reading.

What say you? THANKS!

Jochum / EMI or Jochum / Brilliant classics nowadays......

You can find it cheaper somewhere else than Amazon.

Oh, if you really like better sound, then try Wand.

http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/...lbum_id=565590

I have the Gunter Wand set that powerbooks mentions above. (Like yourself, I am a Mahler fanatic, by the way)
This set in particular, and Bruckner in general, was recommended to me by Jared, another member of this board. It can be had from some amazon dealers for as low as 22 dollars new. The sound is very good, and it is a highly regarded cycle. I enjoyed the fourth symphony very much, but I've only listened to that one and the first so far, as it's a pretty recent purchase. Another option is the Karajan cycle, Jared said that one was quite good as well. That can be had for about 30 dollars through Amazon, though I cannot comment on sound quality, nor do I have any experience with those performances.

Celibidache is an absolute must, although his cycles (DG, EMI) are not complete. Be warned, though, that it's probable that after listening to his Bruckner, you won't find any other's satisfying any more.

Karajan's Bruckner sounds very good to me. It's my favorite among Wand, Jochum and Bohm.

Originally Posted by pollux

Celibidache is an absolute must, although his cycles (DG, EMI) are not complete. Be warned, though, that it's probable that after listening to his Bruckner, you won't find any other's satisfying any more.

Do you have a preference for either EMI or DG?

I only have the EMI set. But, as far as I know, the DG is very similar in quality. You can also get the DVDs with his recordings of, I guess, symphonies 6-8. Some say these are his very best performances.

Originally Posted by pollux

I only have the EMI set.

Thanks. I've been thinking about getting the EMI set.

For me the quality of the performance is far, far more important than audiophile sound quality. The best three recordings of the entire symphonies IMO are Karajan, Wand, and Jochum. All three are more than adequate in terms of sound quality. Karajan's efforts were recorded between 1971 and 1981. Jochum's EMI set were recorded between 1975 and 1981 while his DG recordings date mostly from the 1960s. I personally love the DG recordings, but most reviews suggest there isn't much difference between the two. Wand made several recordings of Bruckner's symphonies and while several of these later recordings with the Berlin Philharmonic are quite good I feel the set with the Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra recorded between 1974 and 1981 is the better choice.







There may be more recent audiophile quality recordings of Bruckner... but I cannot imagine wanting to spend money on an audiophile quality recording of a less than stellar performance of anything.

I think recordings from the 60s usually sound better than modern audiophile ones. They generally have a better orchestral balance, more comfortable dynamics and a more natural hall acoustic.

I'd second Celibidache on EMI, he makes it one of my favourite of any symphony cycles even if it isn't quite complete, it just sounds amazingly meditative. Speaking of modern audiophile recordings i'd like to hear Simone Young's recordings, they seem well regarded.

ACO/Haitink, fine performances with terrific-sounding analogue (rec. 1965 - 1973). Keeping in mind consistent, this is it.

513BGiP61hL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Originally Posted by Vaneyes

ACO/Haitink, fine performances with terrific-sounding analogue (rec. 1960 - 1972). Keeping in mind consistent, this is it.

513BGiP61hL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

I really love this set too. I think he is a touch too slow with the scherzo of the 9th, I like it quick personally. I wish the cycle had better bass also; I need my bass.

I like the Barenboim/Teldec/Warner set personally.

There is a dirt cheap set on the Membran label (a budget label reissuing older recordings in bulk sets for cheap). Unusual for Membran though, this Bruckner cycle is a recent digital set with an almost completely unknown conductor; it is very very good though. The cycle includes the no. 0 and 'Te Deum' also, what's not to like?

Haitink is what Ormandy is accused of being... Bland.