Claudio Abbado and his Lucerne Festival Orchestra have released another audio/video hi-def winner. This time it's Anton Bruckner's Symphony No. 5.
Checking the catalogs shows only a few Bruckner recordings in Abbado's career. I think this is his first Fifth.
Anyway, the video presentation is what I've come to expect from the Lucerne concerts, and there is a stereo PCM 24/48 track and a DTS HD Master Audio Surround 5.1 track.
I am becoming convinced of two things because of this release. One, the Bruckner 5th is now my favorite Bruckner symphony. Two, even in stereo, this excellent sounding release with video significantly improves the entire listening experience. Seeing the interplay between sections of the orchestra helps me follow and (try to) understand the complex structure and beauty of this work.
Abbado is much more serene conducting here compared to the Mahler discs that I have. Maybe it's less involvement, or maybe the music's otherworldly quality requires this approach. This is not dramatic Bruckner. It is organic. Abbado's strengths are here: the long line, the hushed quiet, and the majestic climaxes.
Note that I'm a Abbado groupie, but this seems to be wonderful music making.
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Topic - Another BluRay Winner from Abbado/Lucerne - srl1 18:58:40 05/15/12 (2)
- RE: Another BluRay Winner from Abbado/Lucerne - nairb 03:51:33 05/17/12 (0)
- Wow - thanks for the write-up! - Chris from Lafayette 21:11:13 05/15/12 (0)