Repertoire: The BEST of Bruckner's WORST--Symphony No. 0

Bruckner himself called the Symphony No. 0 "not valid" and "annulled," and it's not hard to understand why. He didn't number it, and refused to publish it. He was right. It sucks. Here are the best versions of his worst symphony, if you care.

[folanpaul]

There must be something wrong with me, I thought the opening was very striking, and memorable: the way it was done, building up from a mysteriously quiet opening, to something with some power, which I enjoyed. The theme sounds intriguing and different from anything else written at the time, a very interesting opening. As an opening, I don't mind it at all--it has stayed with me; but it seems to drive you to distraction, so fair enough.

[christopherpickles]

Many years ago I got a record of Bruckner 0 from the library, I listened to it and enjoyed it, but it didn't make a great impression. About 20 years later I came across its again, and I immediately remembered the opening motif. To me it was a memorable theme, a real ear worm for me. I've always enjoyed der Nullte, and that first theme has always stayed in my head. I just think no 0 is a terrific symphony. "Isn't that just awful" - well, no, we will have to just agree to disagree. I think it's fantastic. And there you go.

[Fafner]

I actually enjoy no.0 more than the first...

[davidgerhardus]

I discovered your channel a few weeks ago. As a music student this is pure heaven. The amount of videos ist just amazing, thank you so so much! Very excited to hear your opinion on bruckner 8 and 9 soon

[davidhollingsworth]

I do like it a bit more than I like the First, I must confess. It has a nice Schubertian feel and freshness to it.

[davidaiken]

I agree, this is not great Bruckner. But it *is* Bruckner, and that's why some of us still enjoy it. That first movement is pretty dull, even formless, but, as you pointed out, the work improves as it goes along. Oddly, I find the introduction to the finale very moving; there's something about the pulsating rhythm that induces a contemplative mood. When that motive returns, sped up, as the second subject of the finale proper, it sounds supremely silly--not one of Bruckner's more inspired moments. Overall, I have warmed to this symphony over the years. I agree that Solti makes the best case for it. He actually makes the work seem cogent and frequently exciting. Indeed, I think Solti's Bruckner is underrated. His Chicago 4, 7, and 9 are quite good, despite the bright timbres of the Chicago brass, which many critics have complained of. His Chicago 8 is disappointing, and the ensemble playing is surprisingly sloppy at times. His Vienna version of that work was much better. In any case, I'm glad you are not a priori against Solti in Bruckner. Thanks for this delightful review of the "Zeroica"!

[andreassmith]

One might say that the 0 is the manure out of which the flowers of his genius grew and bloomed.

[flexusmaximus]

I have always liked the null. The first movement has some to me, pretty griping moments. The haitink has always been my favorite. Its better than a lot of serial modernist works.

[EricsLatestMistake]

Zero was my introduction to Bruckner. I saw that in a library stack and said "0. Huh." and checked it out. I got to revisit it in grad school. Maybe not my favorite but still a fun listen and an earworm.

[miguel]

Hello. Your channel is a fantastic source of information. I do not have the immense musicological knowledge that you demonstrate but I am a strong supporter of this symphony. I love it and it is a favorite of my daughters together with the 7, 8 and 9. Of course I am talking from a subjective point of view, but there are great musical orchestral ideas IMHO. Again, thank you for a great and really needed channel. Cheers.

[allangreen]

I am hugely looking forward to your review of the very recent recording of this symphony by Markus Poschner and the Bruckner Orchestra of Linz (following their very fine recordings of symphonies 6 and 8). Warmest wishes, Allan

[morrigambist]

I don't remember who said it, but, "A riff is not a tune."

[derphysiker]

Unfortunately, Bruckner's Symphony No. 0 is the only Bruckner symphony I have played in an orchestra so far. That's why I'm quite fond of it. But of course it can't compete with his other symphonies.

[ewaldsteyn]

This symphony sucks? Really Mr. Hurwitz, with all your intellectual arguments and reasoning as to why we should not even waste our time listening to this symphony, you remind me of a golfer going out to play 18 holes. Coming at the 1st hole, he puts down the tee and neatly places the ball on top if it. Then, with the correct club in hand, after taking his aim, he makes the most perfect golf swing, thinking "that's it, I've nailed this sucker." But then, looking down at his feet, he is shocked to find the ball still sitting on the tee. He completely miss it. Then the golfer shouts out, "O, this ball SUCKS!" No, its not the ball, it was you, mr. Golfer. You completely missed it.

For all its weaknesses this symphonies still offers a lot to enjoy. You are just missing it, mr. Hurwitz.

[robinicus]

Boy, talk about one man's meat being another man's poison! I have the Chailly/RSO and, just like this Tinter, seems appetizing to me.

[tedpiano]

Lol I just discovered this piece, and I knew in my heart of hearts that you'd have something to say about it

[magnuskrook]

I must admit you make a good point regarding Bruckner's final thoughts on his symphonies (including his discarding the "0") . I used to feel slightly guilty for not liking some of the original versions as much as the revised ones. That's a thing of the past for me, fortunately.

[stephenjcarr]

Looking forward to the Repertoire videos of 8 and 9 !

[willemrm]

I saved the third movement from the waste bin, but, as you say, he did it similar and better in the First, so not much point in keeping it in the playlist except as a fun curiosity.

[ammcello]

Not really on topic, but how about a video on the Franz Schmidt? I started listening to Paavo’s new set yesterday ...