Let’s see. The main reasons to acquire this recording would be: 1. Bernard Haitink’s reputation as a highly accomplished Bruckner conductor; 2. The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra’s particular affinity for and exceptional prowess in this composer’s music; and 3. The high-definition SACD recording. Haitink has indeed recorded a fine version of the Bruckner Eighth for Philips–his powerfully compelling performance with the Vienna Philharmonic (after two less satisfactory efforts)–but this latest effort is a pale, lifeless reflection of his earlier work. The conductor sounds as if he’s done this piece one too many times, his apparent boredom showing in the bland phrasing, tedious tempos, and muted dynamic contrasts. So, there goes reason number 1.
The Concertgebouw’s unique sound, with its biting brass, bright winds, and crisp, clear strings in the past has seemed tailor-made for Bruckner. But something’s tragically amiss on this occasion, as the orchestra merely goes through the motions (it’s hard to make the first movement sound dull, but they manage), with scarcely any inflection, even from the brass, which barely penetrates the generally mushy sonority. And that pretty much takes care of reasons number 2 and 3, as the recording has none of the sterling clarity and dynamic energy we’ve come to expect from SACD. Yes, it’s enterprising for orchestras to form their own record labels to promote themselves in the wake of the classical recording industry’s implosion, but you have to wonder who do they think wants to buy watered-down remakes of perfectly fine performances already available in the catalog?
