Album

Because the Munich Philharmonic has a great Brucknerian tradition that extends back to the composer's lifetime, and because Christian Thielemann earnestly wished to begin his first concert season in Munich with a Bruckner symphony, this live recording of the Symphony No. 5 in B flat major is the impressive outcome. This work, along with the unfinished Symphony No. 9, is commonly regarded as one of Bruckner's most deeply religious symphonies, particularly because of the blazing brass chorale at the end that seems to rise up to heaven in its grandeur. Thielemann points out in his liner notes that his is not an especially sacred interpretation, and listeners are free to imagine what they like about the music's inner meanings. Somewhat surprisingly, Thielemann's neutral outlook really benefits the piece because his movendo pacing gives the music propulsion, firmly maintains the form, and avoids pietistic slowness. Additionally, Thielemann is quite successful in conveying Bruckner's "organ effects," suggesting the changes of stops through terraced sectional dynamics. So this rendition may be taken as a clear-headed, unsentimental assessment—rather more of a secular essay than a paean to God—but one that may still move listeners in its many glorious moments. DG's sound quality is superb.

© Blair Sanderson, All Music Guide

CD 1
Anton Bruckner Composer Symphony No.5 in Bb, WAB105 Work 1:22:33 Christian Thielemann Conductor, Munich Philharmonic Orchestra Orchestra
1	1.Adagio. Allegro	22:24			$3.99
2	2.Adagio, sehr langsam	20:06			$3.49
3	3.Scherzo: Molto vivace (Schnell)	14:42			$2.49
4	4.Finale: Adagio. Allegro moderato	25:21			$3.99