Bruckner: Symphony No. 8

“What makes the 8th symphony so special to me is the richness of its atmosphere. I am always excited by the dramatic first subject of the first movement, which is based on the same rhythmical motive as appears in the beginning of Beethoven’s Ninth symphony. I admire the innocence and beauty of the trio of the second movement, the intensity of the cello melody in the Adagio, and the restless finale, as it rides on top of the “Feierlich” chorales played by the brass. The reason I now perform the Haas edition of the second version of this symphony is that it contains some fascinating sections taken from Bruckner’s first version. In my opinion these short additions make the symphony richer and more imaginative, preserving certain elements of the composer’s personality. In this version (1890) Bruckner, advised by his well-meaning supporters, appears to have tried to create a greater symphonic unity and line. The first version (1887), with its abundance of ideas and bold dissonances, sounds more like an improvisational fantasy, while the second is more condensed and classical.

This recording is taken from a concert in Cologne in 2010, which to me was a very significant experience, as the WDR Symphony Orchestra has a long Bruckner tradition. The orchestra’s complete recording of the symphonies, conducted by Günter Wand, was very important to me in my youth.”

Jukka-Pekka Saraste