[1/20/2011] The Bi-weekly Listening and Appreciation Thread: Bruckner's 8th

[Brahmsian]

Listening to this work for the very first time. Thanks (first of all, and terribly belated) to Allan, and to this thread.

Excellent, Karl!  I commend you for participating in the B8 listening party. 

[The Diner]

I don't know if I'm in the pocket right now or what, but this adagio is really nice.

[Brahmsian]

I don't know if I'm in the pocket right now or what, but this adagio is really nice.

It sure is, Dave! 

[The Diner]

I'm listening to the Karajan by the way.

[Brahmsian]

I'm listening to the Karajan by the way.

I think I have heard that version.  Nice!

[The Diner]

I think I have heard that version.  Nice!

It is nice; it's so nice, I've moved on to the finale.

[mahler10th]

Bruckners 8th, thats some chunk of prime music we are wrestling with.
His form, reversing the normal order of scherzo and adagio, seems to give lisence to the somewhat long grand finale of the fourth movement, whose theme is like a 'charging of truth' into a blindness that is tumultous to say the least.
In the scherzo, the theme and its variations are not varied enough.  Harrrumph! 

[The Diner]

In the scherzo, the theme and its variations are not varied enough.  Harrrumph! 

I'm going back for some scherzo right now!

[The Diner]

I do not think I like the lumpy scherzo. 

[Scarpia]

I'm listening to the Karajan by the way.

'57, '70 '75 '78 or '88?   

[The Diner]

'57, '70 '75 '78 or '88?   

Yeesh! The one in that big, fat white box o' symphonies.

[Scarpia]

Yeesh! The one in that big, fat white box o' symphonies.

'75.  That's a good one.  My favorite may be the late one, '88, with the Weiner Philharmoniker.

[mahler10th]

I do not think I like the lumpy scherzo. 

Yes, my complaint is that its a bit too stodgy, and on it's own one would get fed up listening to it.  Variations in the Scherzo don't have enough diversity.  Then again, who the Brahms am I to criticise my favourite composer?
In fact, how dare I devalue the scherzo.
I am embaressed now...    

But still, the 'lumpy' scherzo isn't one of my favourite Bruckner creations, even in my favourite Bohm version it is still there, but imo much better integrated into the whole by brilliant conducting.

[The Diner]

Yes, my complaint is that its a bit too stodgy, and on it's own one would get fed up listening to it.  Variations in the Scherzo don't have enough diversity.  Then again, who the Brahms am I to criticise my favourite composer?
In fact, how dare I devalue the scherzo.
I am embaressed now...    

But still, the 'lumpy' scherzo isn't one of my favourite Bruckner creations, even in my favourite Bohm version it is still there, but imo much better integrated into the whole by brilliant conducting.

This symphony seems to save the best bits for last; it's back-loaded.

[drogulus]

Simpson's worship of Bruckner does not prevent him from being quite critical of the composer. But I do agree with his favorable analysis of the Eighth. You don't have to like Simpson's own music to appreciate his perceptive writings on Bruckner (and Nielsen). But keep trying, David. Simpson finally clicked for me a few weeks ago. It surprised me: I actually enjoyed my latest traversal of his symphonies.

Sarge

      I don't think I'll ever warm to Simpson. Yet....the 9th is one fearsome monstrosity.

[Brahmsian]

Variations in the Scherzo don't have enough diversity.  Then again, who the Brahms am I to criticise my favourite composer?

I learn something new every day.  I did not know Bruckner was your favorite composer, John? 

[mahler10th]

CHAMBER NUT:  I learn something new every day.  I did not know Bruckner was your favorite composer, John? 

It is difficult for me to say anyone else.  His canvas for each Symphony is huge, into which he lets loose Angels to brighten every beat.  Bruckner has to be played LOUD or even better, seen live, to truly be appreciated.  He tried to write music for 'God' and he did it brilliantly. 
(not that I am God, or anything...)

[Cato]

It is difficult for me to say anyone else.  His canvas for each Symphony is huge, into which he lets loose Angels to brighten every beat.  Bruckner has to be played LOUD or even better, seen live, to truly be appreciated. He tried to write music for 'God' and he did it brilliantly.  (not that I am God, or anything...)

The Toledo Symphony therefore some years ago started a tradition of playing a Bruckner symphony in the Roman Catholic cathedral there, and it is truly an experience to hear the works there.   0:)

Ask Toledobass Allan about the results!

Concerning the Scherzo: I think it needs to be played with some inebriation, because it can seem stodgy, if the conductor does not see its inherent playfulness.

Playing it like a sacred dance is not good enough: a drunken dance would be better!        e.g. Merlot in the Cathedral!   

[MishaK]

Concerning the Scherzo: I think it needs to be played with some inebriation, because it can seem stodgy, if the conductor does not see its inherent playfulness.

Playing it like a sacred dance is not good enough: a drunken dance would be better!        e.g. Merlot in the Cathedral!   

An excursion by the priests to the local Heuriger. 

His form, reversing the normal order of scherzo and adagio

Same as his model, LvB 9. Quite normal from that perspective.

About to fire up Wand with Cologne.

[karlhenning]

The Toledo Symphony therefore some years ago started a tradition of playing a Bruckner symphony in the Roman Catholic cathedral there, and it is truly an experience to hear the works there.   0:)

Ask Toledobass Allan about the results!

Concerning the Scherzo: I think it needs to be played with some inebriation, because it can seem stodgy, if the conductor does not see its inherent playfulness.

Was there a flask next to Allan's stand? I ask for purely musical purposes . . . .