Why (or how) should I listen to Bruckner?

[Superhorn]

  To those who talk about playing Bruckner as loud as possible, I would add that his music also has many soft passages too, and they are full of unearthly beauty. The constrasts between soft and loud are one of the most wonderful things about his music.

[Lilas Pastia]

Well, yes. Of course. But when you hear it in concert, you realize that recordings underplay the loud parts. Bruckner's full dynamic range can only be achieved in the concert hall. Unless one tweaks with the knobs a bit as was done in Karajan's EMI recordings of 4 and 7). Other than that, I agree that one often has to strain to hear the unearthly soft beauties of the music. It'sa a matter of balance and concentration.

[c#minor]

i am actually going to be at a performance of Bruckner's 7th tomorrow night. It will be the first time i've heard Bruckner live.

[imperfection]

i am actually going to be at a performance of Bruckner's 7th tomorrow night. It will be the first time i've heard Bruckner live.

Who are you giving you first time to? 

[jochanaan]

...Yes, I used the term "struggle" in reference to the process many of us have suffered to enjoy Bruckner.  I tried over a period of decades and always found him much too long-winded and ponderous for my tastes--though I always respected his value as a sleep aid.    The post you're trying to pick a fight over did not describe that struggle but only the conditions under which I finally "got" what so many others love about Bruckner.  I doubt he'll ever be atop my personal pyramid of all-stars, but at least I've come to enjoy most of his symphonies (4 through 9) and finally understand what others see in him...

I find that listening to Bruckner works best if I just sit down and listen.  No distractions; not reading a book or checking email or doing anything else; just listening.  But for many people, even including myself, that kind of focused calmness IS a struggle.  It becomes like a meditative state--and it works for many other composers too.

[DavidRoss]

Hey, Jo--good to see you back! 

[jochanaan]

And me front too?

Thank you.