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Originally Posted by omergrigg /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I've listened to a few recordings of Bruckner symphonies, but not all the Skrowaczewski or Karajan ones.
I'd be grateful if someone could graciously write here a comparison between the two sets. ... In addition, if there are any particularly individual symphony recordings (other conductors included) that are exceptionally spectacular, I'd be pleased to hear about them.
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Hello Omer!
I have the Karajan set, plus symphony 4 on EMI. I only have Skrow doing symphony 0 ("Die Nullte"), so I can't give you a direct comparison.
As stated above, Skrow has more modern sound, though I didn't find the mix much more natural than Karajan's DG set. From Skrow's performance on B0 and another CD I have of his, I think he is a very good conductor, shaping the music sensitively and getting a good sound. However, I think his performances sometimes lack energy.
Karajan is notorious for imposing his personal style on the music but has undeniably made some great recordings. His Bruckner set is very "grand" in style, which I think very appropriate, though others may differ. His performance of B6 is generally judged flawed (B6 is sometimes regarded as somehow anomalous and difficult). His separate performances of 4, 7, 8 and 9 are generally regarded as superior.
Jochum's EMI set is often the choice of new Bruckner fans, simply because it is so cheap and easily available. Some love it, but for me it was a great disappointment. It seemed to me wrong-headed at every turn, too personal where I think Bruckner should be universal, rhythmically inadequate in parts, feeble trumpets, and generally lacking "magic". But let your own ears be the judge.
On my limited experience, I would recommend the Karajan set, but either way you would do best to supplement it with individual recordings. Can I ask, by the way, which Bruckner performances you've heard so far?
If I could recommend one individual recording, it would be (as I've said repeatedly in this thread!) Mravinsky's performance of B9 (1980, though some labels get the date wrong). It's live, with less than great sound, but I've yet to hear a performance as powerful.