Anton Bruckner: Symphony No. 4 in E flat (“Romantic”) [1878/80 version, Haas ed.]
Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conducted by Georg Tintner [Naxos 8.554128]

Conductor Georg Tintner writes, “One who deals in eternal things is in no hurry, and therefore performers and listeners must allow plenty of time.” Indeed, the transcendent mystery of Bruckner’s Fourth cannot be grasped in one hearing. Likewise, Tintner’s reading must be heard several times to fully appreciate it.

The Viennese conductor shows an exceptional affinity for Bruckner’s vision of medieval cities at dawn, spirited knights and enchanted forests. Throughout the work, Tintner displays his distinguished feeling for orchestral weight, texture, dynamics and rhythmic complexities. The soft passages in the First movement maintain their integral color and inner strength. The Andante is warm and dignified. The stately ebullience of the Scherzo is shaded with amiable joviality. Titner expertly builds up the excitement in a kaleidoscopic Finale that alternates between light and darkness but ends on the promise of hope fulfilled.

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra is top-notch. Their playing is of the highest quality: supremely eloquent in the contemplative passages and firm, resonant, galvanizing in the fortes. The brass chorales are particularly exhilarating in their visceral sheen.

Titner uses the 1878/80 version of the symphony (edited by Haas) which features the revised version of the Finale Bruckner prepared in 1880. The sound is clean, precise and thrillingly vivid with a powerful immediacy. Naxos has a hit here. One eagerly anticipates future Bruckner releases from Mr. Tintner and his superb orchestra.
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