Bruckner: Symphony No. 9

Fischer is unapologetic about still offering just the three-movement version in 2022. Of the various completions offered by scholars and composers, he writes “I salute their work. But after that endlessly held horn note at the end of the third movement, I feel that this was his last breath and nothing more should be said.” He is not alone in that, even now. And that “endlessly held horn note” is played here with impeccable intonation and tone.

In this recording of what is, perhaps, Bruckner's most powerful and visionary symphony, Iván Fischer and the Budapest Festival Orchestra are simply phenomenal. A concern voiced by some critics is that the performance would be too fast, just judged by the movement timings. And, yes, he is certainly on the faster side. But Fischer and his musicians pull it off supremely well.

...Fischer creates something rare in his performance of this symphony. He holds onto our collars and compels us to confront the music. And while he does turn softly melodic with the delicate phrases (over which he lingers most suitably), he still finds us to pull us along with him as he confronts the wonder with which Bruckner imbues this music.

Overall, Fischer creates greater coherence in this music than I hear in most other performances. His is rare combination of power, beauty, grace, deep intelligence, wonder, and, indeed, awe. How fitting for Bruckner's masterpiece.