Dilemma for Brucknerians

[karlhenning]

If in a terrible extreme, there could be but one, which ought it to be?

Thank you.

[Florestan]

You do realize you're going to be flooded with dozens other sets, don't you? 

[Brian]

Didn't Wand record 3 sets himself?

[DavidW]

I have not heard Wand yet, but voted for him just to see the results, so subtract the Wand total by one at the end of the day Karl.

Despite my reservations with Karajan, I feel that he has an affinity with Bruckner.  I like his recordings.

[DavidW]

You do realize you're going to be flooded with dozens other sets, don't you? 

Yes!  Jochum I, Jochum II and Skrowaczewski!!

[karlhenning]

You do realize you're going to be flooded with dozens other sets, don't you? 

I know that indiscipline will trend thither. But this is a binary poll ; )

Didn't Wand record 3 sets himself?

Could be. I have in mind the Köln Radio Symphony set.  (Of course, I have no answer if you ask, Didn't Wand record 3 sets in Köln? . . .)

[DavidW]

Could be. I have in mind the Köln Radio Symphony set.  (Of course, I have no answer if you ask, Didn't Wand record 3 sets in Köln? . . .)

The other two cycles are NDR and BPO.

[Sergeant Rock]

Considering complete cycles, I prefer Barenboim and Maazel...but they are double the price of Wand or Karajan. (Edit: They are both eccentric and wouldn't make a good reference set anyway.) Of the two in the poll I vote for Karajan. I much prefer Wand's later Bruckner recordings. The Kölner cycle is just too "objective" for me: rather chilly readings (nice #2 though).

Sarge

[mc ukrneal]

If in a terrible extreme, there could be but one, which ought it to be?

Thank you.

I don't really think think this a fair poll - because it is win/win (). You really cannot lose either way. Both do well in Bruckner, and each one brings something a bit different to the music. I'd probably pick the cheaper one if one of them is significantly cheaper (since both are good quality). The Karajan is in a bit better sound  (both because of the recording it was given and perhaps additional refinement it has)- perhaps the deciding factor? Another consideration might be the different versions each uses - it's not something all that important to me, but perhaps it is for you.

I agree with Sarge on some of the later Wand recordings, having picked up a couple myself - they are wonderful. So perhaps Karajan complete, complemented by a few of the later Wand symphonies is the way to go?

[Todd]

Of the two options mentioned, Wand.  For me the only "weak" link is the Sixth, and even that is good.  (I will say that Fluffy's Bruckner cycle is none too shabby, so either will yield positive results.)

[mahler10th]

Voted Karajan, but I just love the raw freshness of Bruckner apparent in Jochum and the Staatskapelle Dresden (Brilliant Classics).  Jochum wins.

[Mirror Image]

Gunter Wand all the way. His set has the better audio quality. Even though the Berliners are obviously a better orchestra than the Cologne Radio Symphony, I find that this orchestra has a better energy and Wand really knew how to make a provincial orchestra, like this one, sound great.

I do not like the new RCA sets. I bought this set of Wand:

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Obviously, it's the same set that has been reissued, but this set has all 9 CDs in separate jewel cases with their own liner notes, which is much more attractive. It's larger, yes, but I wouldn't part with this set. Special sets like this one deserve deluxe treatment from the record companies and RCA really did a good job on this one.

[karlhenning]

No, separate jewel cases is pointedly unattractive, for me.  And for the most part (particularly w/r/t standard, well-worn rep such as this) I do not much mind absence of liner notes.

[Mirror Image]

No, separate jewel cases is pointedly unattractive, for me.  And for the most part (particularly w/r/t standard, well-worn rep such as this) I do not much mind absence of liner notes.

Well, that's your opinion, Karl. I like the jewel cases and I don't mind the set being bulky. These are fantastic performances no matter what set you buy.

[karlhenning]

Well, that's your opinion, Karl.

That is really amusing, thank you!

[Mirror Image]

That is really amusing, thank you!

The bottom line Karl is go for the Wand!

[karlhenning]

That's the way the poll is trending, certainly.

[Mirror Image]

The audio quality was a big issue for me because Karajan's Bruckner recordings are in dire need of remastering, but they continue to release the music like it is. If audio quality is important for you, and it is for me, then Wand easily wins in this category.

[Lethevich]

I found Karajan's integral oddly unmoving - I really enjoy some of his single recordings outside of that chronology, though (EMI 4, DG 7, 8 ).

[MishaK]

Wand's best is probably the partial NDR cycle on DVD. The partial BPO cycle also has its great moments. I don't find the Cologne cycle too objective at all, though. On the contrary, I think it has an intensity and edge that's missing in some of his later performances. The only caveat is that in the older recordings in the set, the orchestra can be a bit scrappy and approximate, 5th especially. Herbie's set is mixed bag, as others have commented, with wooly sound. Not his best, which you'd have to assemble from his earlier EMI and later live VPO recordings. My full review of the Wand/Cologne is on amazon, BTW.

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