Aaron Rabushka [[log in to unmask]] wrote:

>...  Unlike the climactic slow-movement cymbal crashes of Bruckner 7 and
>8 the one added to #4 marks a weird spot--the 4th movement codetta where
>the symphony's opening motto is recalled.  An impressive moment, but not
>the ideal one for a symphony's only cymbal crash (even if the composer
>had put it there).
>
>I certainly don't agree with Mr. Raboshka here, I think the cymbal crash
>is exactly were it shall be.  Very effective and impressive!!

And I like it, also.  The best one can say for it is that it has a
performance history during the composer's lifetime.  No question that it
does not appear in his manuscript.  No question that it does appear in the
first published edition.

It is interesting to note that after several performances of the 4th and
7th, which were very positively received by audiences and critics of the
time, and both of which included cymbal crashes in all likelihood at the
instigation of the conductor (almost certainly Nikisch's idea in the 7th),
Bruckner himself "converted" to this splashy sound in the 8th symphony.
Both versions of the 8th include cymbals 100% in Bruckner's hand.  Regards,

John M. Proffitt
General Manager & C.E.O.
Radio Station KUHF-FM