Bruckner: Symphony No 9 London Symphony Orchestra/Bernard Haitink

Bruckner Symphony No 9
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Artist: Bernard Haitink, London Symphony Orchestra, Anton Bruckner
Genre: Classical
Label: LSO live

Bernard Haitink's latest recording of Bruckner's unfinished Ninth Symphony (the composer was working on it the day he died) is one of those performances that takes its time. The music-making is sturdy and patient, steady and painstaking. Bruckner was 72 when he died and Haitink is now 85. He conducts the younger man's music like a wise old owl who knows every layer and detail and fibre of the symphony as well as the composer himself, and wants to lay it all out plainly for his listeners to share. The effect is mesmerising in a time-stilling way that takes getting used to. In a sonically somewhat boxed-in recording, the imposing style feels much slower than its 67 minutes. url.ie/4u5f

Michael Dervan

Michael Dervan

Michael Dervan is a music critic and Irish Times contributor