Bearing in mind that this historic recording of Bruckner's Symphony No. 6 in A major is the 1961 BBC Radio broadcast -- not to be confused with Otto Klemperer's 1964 studio recording -- listeners should be aware of the deficient sound quality and the occasionally faulty playing, either of which may make this CD less than desirable. However, the Bruckner aficionado who appreciates landmark performances and the Klemperer acolyte who reverently collects all his hallowed recordings will find something of value in this 2004 ...
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Bearing in mind that this historic recording of Bruckner's Symphony No. 6 in A major is the 1961 BBC Radio broadcast -- not to be confused with Otto Klemperer's 1964 studio recording -- listeners should be aware of the deficient sound quality and the occasionally faulty playing, either of which may make this CD less than desirable. However, the Bruckner aficionado who appreciates landmark performances and the Klemperer acolyte who reverently collects all his hallowed recordings will find something of value in this 2004 reissue. Through the foggy sound, thick with analog tape hiss, and past the occasional intonation problems in the brass, there is a pulsing, breathing performance that almost convinces; despite its flaws, the BBC Symphony Orchestra is committed and nearly compelling, particularly in the forceful Scherzo and Finale, where the orchestra's level of intensity almost makes up for the underwhelming playing in the scrappy Maestoso and the desultory Adagio. Somewhat less loved than Bruckner's...
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