Bruckner - Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker - Bruckner 9 (Four Movement Version) (2LP)

The album "Bruckner 9 (Four Movement Version)" by Simon Rattle and the Berliner Philharmoniker is a significant addition to the discography of Anton Bruckner's symphonic works. This recording is particularly noteworthy because it includes the completed version of Bruckner's Ninth Symphony, which traditionally has been performed with only three movements. The inclusion of the fourth movement, completed by musicologists Nicola Samale, Giuseppe Mazzuca, Benjamin-Gunnar Cohrs, and John A. Phillips, offers listeners a rare opportunity to experience the symphony as Bruckner might have intended.

Bruckner's Ninth Symphony is often considered his farewell to the world, as he was working on it during the final years of his life. The symphony, dedicated "to the beloved God," is a profound and spiritual work that reflects Bruckner's deep faith and his struggles with mortality. The traditional three-movement version ends with the Adagio, a movement filled with both serenity and tension, leaving listeners with a sense of incompleteness. The addition of the fourth movement, a Finale, provides a more conclusive resolution to the symphony, bringing it full circle with thematic material that recalls earlier movements.

Simon Rattle, a conductor renowned for his interpretations of late Romantic repertoire, brings his expertise and sensitivity to this recording. Under his baton, the Berliner Philharmoniker delivers a performance that is both powerful and nuanced, capturing the grandeur and complexity of Bruckner's music. Rattle's approach to the symphony is both respectful of Bruckner's original intentions and open to the possibilities offered by the completed Finale.

The critical reception of this recording has been largely positive, with many reviewers praising the Berliner Philharmoniker's performance and Rattle's insightful direction. The orchestra's rich sound and precise execution are highlighted as key elements that bring Bruckner's intricate textures and monumental structures to life. The decision to include the completed fourth movement has sparked discussions among Bruckner enthusiasts and scholars, with some embracing the opportunity to hear the symphony in its entirety, while others remain attached to the traditional three-movement version.

Standout tracks on this album include the Scherzo, with its driving rhythms and contrasting trio section, and the Adagio, which is performed with a deep sense of pathos and beauty. The newly completed Finale is a revelation, offering a dramatic and fitting conclusion to the symphony. It incorporates themes from earlier movements and builds to a powerful climax, providing a sense of closure that is both satisfying and thought-provoking.

The historical and cultural significance of this recording lies in its contribution to the ongoing exploration of Bruckner's unfinished works. By presenting the Ninth Symphony with the completed Finale, Rattle and the Berliner Philharmoniker invite listeners to reconsider Bruckner's legacy and the nature of musical completion. This recording stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of musicologists and performers in bringing Bruckner's vision to fruition.

In summary, "Bruckner 9 (Four Movement Version)" by Simon Rattle and the Berliner Philharmoniker is a landmark recording that offers a fresh perspective on one of Bruckner's most profound works. The inclusion of the completed fourth movement provides a new dimension to the symphony, enriching the listening experience and deepening our understanding of Bruckner's artistic intentions. This album is a must-listen for Bruckner aficionados and anyone interested in the evolution of symphonic music.