BRUCKNER

 

Symphony No. 8 in C minor (Nowak edition, 1890)

1 Allegro moderato

2 Scherzo

3 Adagio

4 Finale

 

LPO / Klaus Tennstedt

 

Recorded live at the Royal Festival Hall, London, on 29 October 1981

 

This is a previously unavailable recording.

 

Bruckner’s majestic Symphony No. 8 overflows with lavish themes and rich sonorities, representing the composer at his grandest, whilst the Symphony’s occasional title

‘Apocalyptic’ alludes to an underlying tone of solemnity.

 

This strong and idiomatic reading comes from a live-to-air BBC recording dating from October 1981. This is very early days in the Orchestra’s long association with Tennstedt.

In true Tennstedt fashion, the sheer beauty of the sound and opulence of the textures are awe-inspiring in this

triumphant interpretation.

 

It was with Bruckner’s Symphony No. 8 that Tennstedt made his name in the West, with his Boston Symphony debut in 1974. The concert caused a sensation, as reflected in the Boston Globe’s headline:

‘Bruckner – Tennstedt – Boston - Once in a lifetime’

 

Press acclaim for Tennstedt’s Bruckner:

Tennstedt is one of the few great conductors of the day … the stark power of the performance is almost overwhelming’ Financial Times, 1989

‘His Bruckner performances were always compelling’ Music Week

 

London Philharmonic Orchestra LPO0032