What is your favorite Bruckner symphony?

[kyjo]

Bruckner's Symphonies 4-9 are some of my all-time favorite pieces of music and I love them all dearly, but my vote has to go for no. 9. This work never ceases to amaze me. The unsettled, mysterious first movement, the fiery, no-holds-barred scherzo, and the visionary finale form a nearly perfect work of art. How about you?

[Daverz]

Poll should be "Top 11 Bruckner Symphonies".

[kyjo]

Poll should be "Top 11 Bruckner Symphonies".

I seriously doubt anyone is going to be voting for the two early symphonies. They're well-crafted, pleasant works, but don't even hint at the Bruckner to come. So which one did you vote for, Dave?

[Daverz]

I seriously doubt anyone is going to be voting for the two early symphonies.

0 was actually composed between 1 and 2.

[kyjo]

0 was actually composed between 1 and 2.

Fair enough. Ah, what the heck, I'll add them!

[jochanaan]

The one I happen to be listening to at the moment.

[Brian]

7 first
then the adagio of 8
then 6
then 3
then the rest of 8
not a fan of the others (yet!)

[Mirror Image]

I picked Symphony No. 9 even if it's incomplete, it still stands as a remarkable achievement in the 19th Century symphonic canon. It's sinister, apocalyptic, heart-rendering, endearing, mournful, frightening, intoxicating, and majestic all rolled up into one. It's certainly one of the most incredible pieces of music I know.

[mc ukrneal]

9. I can put it on, crank up the volume, and have an hour of pure bliss. Of course, having one of the best versions in terms of good sound AND execution helps (the second Haitink on Philips).

[mszczuj]

No.7 as its Adagio is for me the most magic orchestral Adagio ever. May be the most magic whatever ever.

[Willow Pattern]

I like them all - No. 8 is probably my most favoured at the moment.

[Sergeant Rock]

Favorites, as opposed to greatest? 0, 2, 3 and 6 (the four I listen to the most). The Wagner Symphony gets the vote.

Sarge

[DavidW]

It used to be 4 or 9, but now it's 8.

[springrite]

9 and 2.

[Cato]

Poll should be "Top 11 Bruckner Symphonies".

Amen!   0:)

Based on personal history alone: at a precocious age I read through the Leopold Nowak edition of the score for the Symphony #7 and just knew after hitting the initial climax: "I MUST hear this!!!"   0:)

[Brahmsian]

Bruckner's 5th was my original favourite and an obsession.  Then, the 8th became my favourite and an obsession.

Now, the 7th is my favourite and an obsession. 

[Cato]

Bruckner's 5th was my original favourite and an obsession.  Then, the 8th became my favourite and an obsession.

Now, the 7th is my favourite and an obsession. 

Dude!  Sounds like you and I belong in the following clubs!   

Poll should be "Top 11 Bruckner Symphonies".

The one I happen to be listening to at the moment.

[mahler10th]

The Fourth.  They are all magnificent except the first which is a inconsistent mess of a work.
I play loads of Bruckner.   
I used to play the opening of the 4rth movement of the 8th a lot, just to hear the entry.

[TheGSMoeller]

Right now? The 6th.

I have a major obsession with this piece, up to 13 recordings now and still want to hear more. No other Bruckner symphony has had that effect on me.

Edit: I remember a similar poll/thread a year or two ago, I believe I chose No.5, so just like many others it changes as time go by.

[knight66]

The one I happen to be listening to at the moment.

Yes, that is my take on it.

Has anyone listened to the Rattle recording of the completion of the 9th? I am torn between taking it on board and remaining faithful to the wonderful torso I have known for so long.

Mike