“This disc dates from 1997, well before the Bruckner explosion and at a time when a small label like Reference Recordings was still carving a niche as an audiophile enterprise. Everything works wonderfully. I dare you to play this for friends; I imagine they would name a great European orchestra if asked who was playing. As astonishing as the ensemble is under Vänskä, I found myself shivering with the sheer thrill of the strings and brass letting loose in the first movement. It's a great interpretation that stands with Jochum, Giulini, and the other great recordings of the work. Who knew that this orchestra could make this sound nearly two decades ago? Clearly, Reference Recordings did, and we have this performance forever as a result. … The sound is spectacular even today, and serves as a worthy testament to the accomplishments of Skrowaczewski in Minnesota. I like that each section of the work is tracked, which makes it an ideal disc for students, conductors, or score-followers to use for reference, and the liner notes are also typically fine. If you love Bruckner, you owe it to yourself to explore the career of this extraordinary man, and if you love this symphony, this disc is required listening.” —Brian Wigman, ClassicalNet
Labels: Brian Wigman, Bruckner Symphony No. 9, Classical Net, Minnesota Orchestra, Stanislaw Skrowaczewski