Mimi Ezust ([log in to unmask]) wrote:

>Christopher Webber wrote:
>
>>I'm surprised there hasn't been a mention so far of a warmly played,
>>beautifully paced and lucidly recorded reading of this most elusive
>>Symphony which used to be widely available on Philips LP in Europe, with
>>Haitinck and the Concertgebouw.  This was a safely recommended recording
>>in the 1970's and early 80's.
>>
>>Does this mean it never made it onto CD? If so, I'm astounded!
>
>I adore my Haitink boxes of all the Bruckners, Mahlers and Brahmses!  I
>agree that these are beautifully played by an exceptionally fine orchestra.
>They were in cd boxes when I bought them a few years ago, replacing our
>long-plays.  I don't know if they are still available but I hope they are.
>And I, too, am surprised that this great orchestra gets so little praise
>around here.

The probelm with many recordings of the Concertgebouw from the 1960s and
'70s can be summed up in two words: Bernard Haitink.

Although on occasion he could translate his stage presence (as it were) to
the studio - the Mahler 9 is a great example - all too often what happened
in the studio is too careful, not taking any risks.

BBH live is entirely a different kettle of fish.  There's a fabulous box
of the kerstmatinee concerts which includes live Mahler 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7
and 9 all superior to the studio equivalents.  The 3 is up there with
Horenstein.

Haitink's 60s Bruckner was certainly better, but less good than he is live.
I have to say though that even Haitink's live Bruckner 5 doesn't convince
me.

Deryk Barker
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