Skrowaczewski conducts Bruckner’s Symphony No. 0 with a lighter touch than most, linking it more with the classical era than with the weightier, profound works that were to come from the composer’s pen. Where Georg Tintner with the National Symphony of Ireland and Daniel Barenboim with the Chicago Symphony both favor a hefty, prominent brass sound, Skrowaczewski opts for more balance among the sections, with brass blending in the mix. That is, until the finale, where he lets the brass cut loose, especially the trombones (who offer up a couple of shocking blasts in the development). But the winds have their say here too, revealing many details of Bruckner’s scoring that usually go unheard. This, combined with Skrowaczewski’s swift pacing and tight rhythmic control make for one of the finest performances of the finale ever! The rest of the symphony benefits from the conductor’s long experience with and obvious love for the music. The adagio has a chaste warmth that is wonderfully communicated by the Saarbrücken Radio Symphony. And if Tintner’s grand approach makes him peerless in the first movement, Skrowaczewski nonetheless offers a compelling alternative view.
Skrowaczewski’s arrangement of the Adagio from Bruckner’s String Quintet allows us a tantalizing glimpse at what this masterwork might have sounded like in full symphonic dress. The string playing here is even more heartfelt than in the symphony, with Skrowaczewski just as passionately committed. Arte Nova’s recording is clear and impactful, but the appended Adagio was mastered at a significantly higher level, so be ready with your remote.
