Repertoire: The BEST and WORST Bruckner Eighth Symphonies

Bruckner's epic Eighth Symphony exists in "only" two main versions: the lousy 1887 original, and the 1890 revision, which is an undeniable masterpiece. This latter version also comes in two editions, Haas and Nowak, but the differences between them are not significant however much controversy they have caused. In this video I survey the best (and the worst) recordings of the 1890 definitive edition, offering a wide selection of superior interpretations from which you can choose.
Musical Examples courtesy of Naxos and Profil Recordings.

[prometheanevent]

I love this guy’s style of covering a pretty esoteric subject - Versions and performances of the Bruckner 8th symphony — like he’s reviewing local hamburger joints. Excellent.

[estel]

This talk made me realize (once again) how blessed we are to live in these times.
So so many great recordings of our beloved works available!

[phamthanh]

One of my neighbour is a college student, who was getting a very loud lovey-dovey chat with her boyfriend out in the hall since it's Valentine 's Day and they think they own the floor. I cheered them with Karajan's 1988 Bruckner Eighth. Listening to their willowy conversation getting crushed by the brass chorale of the Finale sure is something satisfying =))

[PUCCINIMUSICK]

Dear Mr Hurwitz, being the first conductor to have premiered Haas' Version 1887/1890 in Italy in 2013 (and filming it twice), I want to thank you heartfelty for the words upon Karajan/VPO version. It was in my opinion the peak of his discographic career and having some 80 versions of this symphony (which for me remains the top monument of the symphonic repertoire ever), I would certainly say that for the care of details and sound and overall feeling and understanding of a score I take the pride to say I know quite well indeed, it is the ultimate Bruckner 8th. I relish the tape of 28th February 1989 Carnegie Hall. It must have been an unforgettable moment and alas I was not there. My first Bruckner 8th Live was in Musikverein Vienna in 2001 with VPO and Mehta (alas Nowak's...) and the orchestra was absolutely glorious. Conducting was quite far from that but who cares: Karajan's spirit is still embodied in the VPO when they play this Music.

[anthonycook]

This video is my introduction to Bruckner's symphonies, and your comments are very helpful. I am familiar with and attracted to some of his choral pieces, so this is new territory to nearly 60 years of informed listening, so exciting new territory. I have Wand's Brahms symphonies, that I love. Thanks!

[jackdahlquist]

I admit to exclaiming "Yes!" and giving a hearty thumbs-up when you displayed the Karajan VPO recording. I adore it and consider it one of the best things in my collection. I particularly love Karajan's unusually slow performance of the Scherzo, which enhances its tension and humor. The longer silences that result are irresistibly suspenseful.

[markgibson]

Update: Since I originally posted this I have listened to ( and seen) the NDR Klassic video of the Wand/NDR live Lubeck Cathedral performance and it has become my new favorite. Thanks again David for this video!
I have been waiting for this one . Many thanks. I must admit my favorite remains the old Furtwangler one. The Karajan/ Vienna is awesome, and I have read that he said "I don't know who conducted that but it wasn't me ' as though he was "channeling". I really like the Maazel as well. I don't remember the Wand but I have the Berlin recording and I will listen again. Interestingly enough the most moving finale coda for me is in the Boulez/Vienna recording which is otherwise good but not one of my favorites. P.S. just I found the finale of the Suitner Bruckner 8th on Youtube! Extraordinary, magical, flowing and consistently deeply moving . Thanks for the tip, and the many choices to explore.

[jacquespoulemer]

Hilarious!!!! You had me laughing out loud. I watched this right after your take on the 9th. I am going to check out the Suitner and Janowski. My very first experience was with Szell while riding through the Sierra Madre mountains in Michoacan. Since then I've heard many versions. Maazel and Giulini had me leaping about. My ultimate test. Thank you Mr David Hurwitz for your insights and the fun. Jim from Mexico

[st.lukechamberorchestra]

My first exposure to Bruckner of any kind was a live recording by Lovro Matacic and the NHK Symphony that I heard over the radio. It held me so powerfully I had to stop my car and wait to hear what the piece was. That was back in the 1980's, and I've so imprinted on that performance that I have a hard time being objective about the others. Very interested to listen to your top 5 someday. Thank you for this video.

[chadweirick]

Perfect for Valentine's day..Bruckner lol

[viningscircle]

I really think of Bruckner as a composer of the Future. Much of his compositions are so fresh and modern. I imagine how he would compose to film, and would feel he would have made a valuable contribution to cinema.

[richardadams]

I am so grateful to Hurwitz for introducing me to the Otmar Suitner Bruckner 8th. It is superb and I am happy to place it alongside my other favorite 8th including Tennstedt LPO live, Barbirolli live, Furtwangler live and Kubelik live and Wand Cologne live. All my favorite 8th are live. The Suitner belongs with this group in that it never relaxes the tension for a moment in this great symphony. Barbirolli and Furtwangler remain the most impassioned and intense performances that I know but Suitner comes close. Thanks Dave!

[flexusmaximus]

I so agree about the Maazel, I picked it up for 5 bucks years ago at a media play store. Listening in the car it blew me away. I think Jochums take on the 8th was that he took the first 2 movements faster and lighter than most. Also he I think tried to treat the scherzo as more a true classical scherzo, with a faster tempo for the outer sections. This tended to rob the music of its granduer and inevitable feeling. I always feel, the coda of the finale is the key, if that's not right, the whole journey no matter how good, is let down. Barenboim like Furtwangler always ruined it by accelerating to fast through the end. Good video !
Paul G

[OuterGalaxyLounge]

Dave sounding conciliatory: "I realize there are those who prefer the earlier version..."
Then Dave going in for the kill: "...but they are mentally ill."
Lol.

[hugocalisto]

Great video, Dave, thank you. I was eagerly awaiting this one! I broadly agree with your picks, although I must say I have a soft spot for the very old Jochum-Hamburg on DG (despite the iffy sound and scruffy postwar orchestra), and the Boulez-Vienna in St. Florian. I imprinted on the Karajan-Vienna when I was a teenager, and I was blown away by the Suitner when I bought it, after reading your review on ClassicsToday.

[janouglaeser]

Something I particularly like about Wand's version is that he does a crescendo in the penultimate chord of the Scherzo's main theme (Ab minor with 9th). It sounds great!

[verklartenacht]

Holy crap. That original ending goes on FOREVER.

[andyhendrick]

I am glad I discovered your videos, Dave. They are both entertaining and informative. A personal favorite Bruckner 8 for me is Boulez.

[firzaakbarpanjaitan]

So happy Maestro Celi made the list! I watched the live recording available on youtube. That finale march, with the timpani, is COLLOSAL! I was afraid you didnt include him because (if im not mistaken) you rarely mentioned him. Thanks for the video David. Certainly will look for the other 9 on the list.

[jacquesracine]

The Eight, Beethoven's Missa Solemnis, and Monteverdi's Vespers are amongst my lifetime top 10. 
Fabio Luisi deserves a listen - the horns are magnificent.
BUT - did anyone find Suitner available for streaming? I found the 4th and it is AMAZING. Yes, I know the difference between lowercase and uppercase. Now you bet I want Suitner's Eight.