Symphonien Nr.1 & 2

Modern Richness of Ideas On the way to a complete recording of the symphonies, François-Xavier Roth and the Gürzenich Orchester Köln examine Anton Bruckner's early symphonic works in the fifth installment. Between Linz and Vienna, the organist from the quiet province finds his own musical language and composes in 1866, at an age of more than 40, his first 'true' symphony after the so-called 'Studiensymfonie' in f minor from 1863. However, the official symphonic debut is little more than a modest success; recognition as a symphonic composer would take much longer to arrive. As an organ virtuoso, Bruckner, on the other hand, is already celebrated and is even sent in 1871 as a representative of Austrian organ art to the world's fair in London. The visit to the bustling world metropolis makes a lasting impression on him. Even during the journey, he begins sketches for a new symphony, which he completes shortly after his return. Two years later, it is performed for the first time by the Wiener Philharmoniker, who had initially rejected the piece after a rehearsal in 1872. In the press, there is some positive feedback here and there (even the usually critical Eduard Hanslick speaks a few words of praise), but this time too, the hoped-for breakthrough fails to materialize. Too daring, too fragmentary, too many ideas, the critics judge, while Bruckner had already softened various passages before the premiere and would make further changes to the work afterwards. As with the already recorded symphonies in the recording series unanimously praised by critics, Roth again opts for the first versions of the two symphonies. In doing so, he once again demonstrates the modern richness of ideas and the impetuous experimental drive of the symphonist Bruckner.