Bruckner 1 (1891 Vienna Version)

Album review

Bruckner's First Symphony has survived to the present day in two very different forms (or indeed more than two, if we include variants and revisions): the first version from 1866, or the "Linz" version, or the second, "Vienna" version, revised in 1891. To be sure, the first version was performed — under the composer's direction — shortly after the score was written, but it didn't help launch Bruckner into global fame. And so the First wasn't performed again in that format for decades. However, once he had established his reputation, public interest was aroused in the composer's older works, including the First — but he thought that the score needed more work. Note, though, that this is one of those rare instances where the modifications are entirely the composer's own work: whereas many other symphonies have been re-written by others, generally well-intentioned but not always inspired. This album, from the excellent Yannick Nézet-Séguin, gives us the 1891 version, which is the less-recorded one: if the Linz version can be found in the catalogues of Jochum, Neumann, Abbado, Haitink, Sawallisch and Blomstedt, this Viennese version belongs "only" to Abbado (again), Wand et Chailly. So let us enthusiastically hail this great addition to Bruckner's discography. © SM/Qobuz