07 September 2012

The enviable Bruckner 9 concert at BBC Proms 2012

The partnership of Bernard Haitink, one of the great Brucknerians, and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra which Bruckner described as "the most superior" orchestra, is a potent attraction to lovers of Bruckner's music. This superb Brucknerian partnership worked wonders last night at BBC Proms 2012.

Thanks to the BBC Radio 3 broadcast, I can enjoy the opportunity to listen to this concert miles away from London. So I spent my lunch time today listening to this concert broadcast. What a mesmerising performance! Haitink, shunning histrionics and narcissism, just lets the music speak for itself. The flow is so natural. I'm fully enthralled by Haitink's soft-spoken beauty in the third theme of the opening movement and the coda in the great Adagio.  When the audience had waited for 10 seconds to begin its applause after the last note died away, what else can you ask for from a captivating concert?

Those who expect their Bruckner 9 to be full of excitement or up-front passion, however, should better stay away from this performance to avoid disappointment.

Only 7 days are left for online listening to this concert at BBC Radio 3.


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