 | Bruckner Symphony No. 7 in E Major Berlin Philharmonic - 1949 $9 | ||
As expected, the Adagio unfolds naturally, with the second theme not being rushed as often happens. The climax is devastating. As usual with Furtwängler's Bruckner, the Scherzo is magnificently wild and uncivilized, moving at a fairly fast tempo which ads to the demonic character of this movement. The last movement is always a problem with this symphony. If it is played too slowly, it can become pompous and lose its direction, which is not easy to find in any case. Furtwängler finds the perfect tempos throughout, moving along when it is necessary to give the movement energy, and slowing down when the music calls for it. But, of course, Furtwängler always does this so well.
This is a far more persuasive and natural interpretation than the ones from Rome and Egypt. If someone thinks there is a better Bruckner Seventh, I would like to hear it.
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