Double Double.

Bruckner's 8th Symphony is a monumental piece of music that for many represents the peak of this composer's symphonic output. Tom Lyle and I thought it would be interesting to compare two fairly recent releases of this work to each other. These two releases are a rendition of the Haas version of the score featuring the Vienna Philharmonic conducted by Pierre Boulez (Deutsche Grammophon 289 459 678-2) and a budget-priced recording of the Nowak version of the score featuring the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland conducted by Georg Tintner (Naxos 8.554215-16, a two-CD release that also contains the "Nullte" Symphony).

As always, Tom and I have prepared our remarks independently: other than deciding that these were the two CDs that we wanted to compare, we have not discussed these recordings with each other. Because this is an even-numbered issue, Tom will lead things off with his observations, and then I will follow with my comments.

TL: Pierre Boulez's version of Bruckner's Eighth on DG is a solid performance, and would be a perfect CD for one wanting to hear this magnificent opus for the first time. It is a comparatively inexpensive way to go, too, because his brisk account fits on a single CD. It will never replace my (and countless others') reference, Gunter Wand's version recorded in Germany's Lubeck cathedral, but still, it is a first rate account. I paid a premium price for the Wand RCA import, because at the time it was rumored that the recording would go out of print quickly, so I purchased it the first time I saw it in the bins. (I have a feeling it has indeed been deleted from the catalog.) Nevertheless, Boulez and the Vienna make an excellent pairing, and demonstrate why this is (at least in my opinion) Bruckner's best work.

The performance by the Vienna Philharmonic is exemplary. Why shouldn't it be? Their familiarity, not to mention their historical connection with Bruckner's symphonies, is unparalleled. Boulez even admits that at times he was following the orchestra's lead. To state that the orchestra sounds self-assured would be an understatement. For example, if you want to hear what all the fuss is about in regards to the Vienna Philharmonic's brass section, this CD is proof enough that they are among the best in the world.

I've begun to take for granted that George Tintner knows his Bruckner. He has demonstrated on many a disc that he can produce an excellent rendition of many of his symphonies, even when leading what is not a first-tier orchestra. He seems to bring out the best in the players, and his interpretive style seems as if it is a direct connection to the intent of the composer (even though the composer was never that sure of his own intentions!) But in this case, the orchestra seems to be struggling. Perhaps I get this impression because I am comparing them directly to the VPO. The horns play such an important role in this symphony that it is difficult to miss their lapses. But the horns are not the only ones responsible for making this version a difficult listen, since there are times when other sections, and sometimes the entire orchestra, seems to be unsure of themselves.

Yet, I still would recommend this budget-priced Naxos CD. Why? Because of the "0" Symphony ("Die Nullte") that fills out this double CD. For the longest time I assumed that it was given this title because it was an early "study" symphony, composed before Bruckner became an experienced composer, but this is not so. It was composed between his First and Second, and was withdrawn from publication, a victim of Bruckner's insecurity. Not only is it a great work, but it sounds as if Tintner is not leading the same National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland. The recording quality even sounds better, but this may be because their playing sounds so much better than in the Eighth.

So, I guess it's pretty obvious that I think that Boulez's version "wins" hands down. It is not the best Bruckner's Eighth Symphony I've ever heard, but it is far better than the CD of the same symphony led by Tintner. Still, the Naxos is a CD that I still plan to keep in my collection because of the brilliantly conducted and played "0" Symphony.

KWN: Although Tom will doubtless be disappointed at the brevity of my remarks, I really do not have much to say this time around. My choice is clear, and I see no point to belaboring the obvious: the Boulez is the clear winner in this contest.

Tintner takes the work much more slowly than Boulez, and perhaps this is part of the problem (although I must point out that one of my favorite recordings of the score is a no-longer-available RCA recording by Gunter Wand, who also stretches it out over two disks, so speed is not the only factor at work here). All I know is that whether I listened to the two versions on my big system at home or on my small system at work, whether I listened intently or merely had the music playing almost as background music (for shame!), the Boulez always got me involved with the music and the Tintner always made me long to be listening to something else. Boulez brings the music to life, while Tintner just seems to be playing through it. Part of this may be because of the orchestras involved: it is hard to beat the Vienna Philharmonic, and on this occasion, they were having a very good day indeed.

Sonically, neither recording is demonstration-class. Both are more than serviceable, but neither is truly outstanding. The Tintner seems a bit more distantly recorded, the Boulez a bit more energetic and dynamic. I prefer the sound of the Boulez version, but not by so wide a margin as I prefer the Boulez performance.

Although the Tintner offers two CDs for a price less than the single Boulez CD, the Boulez CD is clearly the better value in my estimation. Not only is it somewhat better sonically, it is significantly superior in terms of performance. Here's hoping that our next Double Double comparison will prove more interesting and competitive ...