Bruckner: Symphony No. 2 in C minor Orchestre de la Suisse Romande & Marek Janowski

• Anton Bruckner (1824-1896): Symphony No. 2 in C minor
• 1I. Moderato17:45
• 2II. Andante: Feierlich, etwas bewegt14:18
• 3III. Scherzo: Mäßig schnell08:46
• 4IV. Finale: Mehr schnell13:59
• Total Runtime54:48

Info for Bruckner: Symphony No. 2 in C minor

'Continuing his super audio series of Anton Bruckner's symphonies for PentaTone, Marek Janowski presents the 'Symphony No. 2 in C minor' in the 1877 version, edited by William Carragan. Followers of the vagaries of Bruckner's multiple revisions know the difficulties of distinguishing particular versions, and in the case of the 'Second Symphony,' the details are obscure indeed. For years, the most commonly performed edition was really a combination of the 1872 and 1877 versions, patched together by Robert Haas to be an 'ideal' version. Carragan has separated these versions for his new edition, so listeners can appreciate the music knowing that Haas' anomalies have been removed and Bruckner's intentions have been honored. In this 2012 recording, Janowski takes the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande through the symphony with steady pacing and controlled tempos that nonetheless feel relaxed and unhurried. This helps the music move forward without the instability produced by too much rubato or the tedium caused by ponderously slow beats.'

'This is not one of Bruckner's most thrilling symphonies, but it is a gentle and expansive work, filled with lyricism and an elegiac wistfulness that is fully communicated in Janowski's calm and patient interpretation. The most forceful music is found in the Scherzo, but even here, Janowski doesn't rush and maintains a moderate beat that allows each phrase to be articulated clearly and coherently. Even though the Finale generates considerable excitement, it is balanced by a sweet yearning that is in harmony with the work's dominant character, and the playing is especially striking for the sudden contrasts of expressions and moods. As has been demonstrated throughout the entire series, PentaTone provides wonderfully clean and spacious sound, so the orchestra has credible presence with plenty of room for the music to breathe.' (Blair Sanderson, All Music Guide)

Orchestre de la Suisse Romande
Marek Janowski, conductor

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Booklet for Bruckner: Symphony No. 2 in C minor