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Editorial Reviews

One thing you have to know upfront: this isn't the Bruckner's "Eighth" that everybody knows. That "Eighth" is the heavily revised 1890 version; this "Eighth" is the original 1887 version. That "Eighth" has been the basis of nearly every performance and recording of the work since its premiere in 1892 and with good reason: it is a magnificent piece of musical architecture that touches the eternal and the infinite. This "Eighth" was the piece of musical architecture whose rejection by a prominent conductor caused Bruckner to substantially, if not essentially, alter much of the score. Both "Eighths" have the same fundamental ground plan and the same ultimate trajectory, but this "Eighth" has some modulations that seem to meander, some orchestrations that seem blatant, some climaxes that seem strained, and, in the case of the opening movement's coda, passages that seem unworthy of the composer. While it is worthwhile to hear a performance of this "Eighth" every once in a while if only for comparison with that "Eighth," it had better be one heck of a performance.

This 2004 recording with Dennis Russell Davies leading the Bruckner Orchester Linz is one heck of a performance. Davies controls the tempos, commands the structures, and drives the tempos with the fervor of a true believer. The Bruckner Orchester Linz plays as if to live up to its name: with heroic strength, deep sincerity, and profound spirituality. Together, they do everything possible to make a convincing case for this "Eighth." Whether they succeed or not is left up to the individual listener. Arte Nova's sound is enormous and immense and right there in the room with the listener. James Leonard, All Music Guide

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