Bruckner: 9 Symphonies [Box Set] [Box set, Import]

This review is from: Bruckner: 9 Symphonies [Box Set] (Audio CD) This is unquestionably one of Karajan's greatest achievements. And it's hard to imagine a better Bruckner cycle than this. I've listened to Bruckner for a long time and own at least 5 recordings of each symphony. Every one of these performances ranks up there with the best (I must single out the performance of the 5th, absolutely THE best I've ever heard!). There is not a weak performance in the box. And you simply will not hear these symphonies played better than here. The Berlin Philharmonic is glorious. Karajan was often accused of producing beauty just for beauty's sake, but here it is always at the service of the music. In these grand, epic works where other conductors can get lost or lose tension in certain areas, Karajan has an incredible ability to comprehend the structure of each movement, keep it flowing, and make each transition from section to section sound effortless and natural. A great term I once heard to describe it was "architectural far-sightedness". Tempo choices throughout strike me as having an ideal balance of energy and grandeur. And the all important Adagios have plenty of time to breathe without ever dragging. There have been some slightly negative comments about the sound quality. I thought the analog recordings (4-9) were excellent. All the sections of the orchestra were brilliantly caught. I would say some of the big climaxes in the symphonies recorded in early digital (1-3) sound a little harsh and congested, but nothing major enough to detract from the performances. Also, Karajan uses the 1889 version of the 3rd. Though I prefer the 1873 or 1877 versions, it's no big deal. Whether you know Bruckner well, or you've never heard a note he's written, I give this set my strongest possible recommendation. It's a perfect introduction to this music, and a perfect addition to any Classical library. (And getting this 9 disc set for 40 bucks is just robbery!)