Ultimate Bruckner Symphony Showdown

[Mirror Image]

I purposely avoided all other Bruckner symphonies for this particular poll, because, for me, the 7th and 8th are two of the greatest examples of Bruckner's art. This isn't to say that I don't love the other symphonies, but I think these two gained the most acclaim upon their premieres. Anyway, let's knock this one out of the cathedral and have some fun!

[Mirror Image]

I voted for the 8th. Such a jaw-dropping, incredible piece of music.

[Sergeant Rock]

Minor usually wins over Major in Sarge's world. It does in this case.

Sarge

[Mirror Image]

Minor usually wins over Major in Sarge's world. It does in this case.

Sarge

[mc ukrneal]

Minor usually wins over Major in Sarge's world. It does in this case.

Sarge

Works for me!

[Brahmsian]

The 8th symphony was my favourite symphony (of any composer) from about 2008 to 2011 ish.  Since then, the 7th has taken that honour.

Voted for # 7 

[Brahmsian]

I would say that I also prefer the 9th and the 6th nowadays over the 8th. 

[Mirror Image]

I would say that I also prefer the 9th and the 6th nowadays over the 8th.

For me, it's really hard to beat Symphony Nos. 4-9, but, if forced into a corner, the 8th gets my vote.

[Sergeant Rock]

I would say that I also prefer the 9th and the 6th nowadays over the 8th. 

For me, it's really hard to beat Symphony Nos. 4-9, but, if forced into a corner, the 8th gets my vote.

I love, love, all 11 but especially 0, 3, 6 and 8...and the Fifth's coda 

Sarge

[Mirror Image]

I love, love, all 11 but especially 0, 3, 6 and 8...and the Fifth's coda 

Sarge

The 6th is absolutely amazing. Quite different than Bruckner's others. Musicologists often have called this the 'ugly duckling' of Bruckner's symphonies. It has a unique sound-world. That Scherzo is especially mesmerizing and not to mention that Adagio! Wow!

[Ken B]

I would say that I also prefer the 9th and the 6th nowadays over the 8th.

Voted for # 7 

+1
+1

[Cato]

I love, love, all 11 but especially 0, 3, 6 and 8...and the Fifth's coda 

Sarge

The 6th is absolutely amazing. Quite different than Bruckner's others. Musicologists often have called this the 'ugly duckling' of Bruckner's symphonies. It has a unique sound-world. That Scherzo is especially mesmerizing and not to mention that Adagio! Wow!

Amen  0:) and Amen again!  0:) 0:)

To echo Sarge, I love all eleven, but especially...all eleven!  And I would give them an eleven out of ten!   

[Jaakko Keskinen]

The 6th is absolutely amazing. Quite different than Bruckner's others. Musicologists often have called this the 'ugly duckling' of Bruckner's symphonies. It has a unique sound-world. That Scherzo is especially mesmerizing and not to mention that Adagio! Wow!

No kidding, 6th is my favorite, along with 7th, which I voted for. I didn't really like the 8th when I first heard it but after relistenings, like with many of Mahler's symphonies, I started to see the beauty of it.

7th still takes the cake. Hell, I would pick 7th even if Adagio had been the only movement completed. I don't like the Scherzo that much, however.

[ritter]

Kind of surpised the Ninth isn't included in this poll  . But, if forced to choose between the Seventh and the Eighth, my vote goes for the latter. Its scherzo is one of my favourite symphonic movements ever (by Bruckner, or by anybody else  )...

[Brian]

Oh, this is so easy. I don't understand any of the fast movements of 8. For me, like for Alberich, the difficult decision would be 6 vs. 7.

(Other Bruckner I don't understand: the finale of 4, the first 60 minutes of 5, most of 9. I'm bad with Bruckner. )

[Mirror Image]

Oh, this is so easy. I don't understand any of the fast movements of 8. For me, like for Alberich, the difficult decision would be 6 vs. 7.

(Other Bruckner I don't understand: the finale of 4, the first 60 minutes of 5, most of 9. I'm bad with Bruckner. )

All I have to say is to keep listening to the 8th. It took me a long time to appreciate this symphony, but, thankfully, persistence in knowing it's great music and that it did affect me on an emotional level is what me kept me listening.

[Ken B]

I'm bad with Bruckner. )

Bruckner is not for all tastes. Only good ones 

[Brian]

Bruckner is not for all tastes. Only good ones 

Well, I'd count 6 and 7 among my all-time favorite symphonies by anybody, really enjoy 3, and love the adagio of 8 (esp. Celi). But the rest...not getting it yet.

Just put on 9 to give it another try.

[Brahmsian]

Well, I'd count 6 and 7 among my all-time favorite symphonies by anybody, really enjoy 3, and love the adagio of 8 (esp. Celi). But the rest...not getting it yet.

Just put on 9 to give it another try.

I think # 9 has perhaps Bruckner's best opening movement.  It is pretty heavy and awe striking, to me. 

[Jo498]

The 9th has the best scherzo by far.
I admittedly don't have enough patience for the finale of the 8th (and find the end with the forced theme combination fairly silly  ) and while the adagio is undoubtedly great, the ones in the 7th, 9th and maybe 6th are almost as good. The 8th's scherzo tends to drag (the trio is wonderful, though) the first movement is good but not extraordinarily so, I think.

I admire a lot about the 8th but I love the 7th... So I voted for the 7th. Together with the 9th it is my favorite Bruckner (and I listen to it more frequently than the "heavy" 9th), partly because it is more melodic, more lyrical and often "un-Brucknerian". The first movement is for me the most radiantly beautiful, "optimistic" Bruckner movement (another candidate would be the first from the 6th, I like the 6th almost as much except for the finale). The 7th finale is fairly light (and very short) for Bruckner, another positive in my book...