Symphony No.7 : Colin Davis / Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra (1987)

This may be the best sounding Bruckner Seventh ever produced. Recorded live from the Philharmonie Hall in Muchner Gasteig, May 1987, its has unusual amount of warmth, reverberation, but also clarity that allows many details to come forward naturally without a slightest hint of clinical quality that marred many digital recordings in its early period. It sounds as if the entire orchestra is dipped into plush of the ’acoustic cushion’ and filtered through it at every moment! What about Davis’ reading? His is not far off from the traditional norm in tempo, phrasing or balance： he just lets the music unfold naturally and speak for itself. The Bavarian Radio Symphony, one of the best orchestras in Europe, responds with all their commitment, poise and panache. One oddity： For some reason, the Scherzo is placed after the opening Allegro moderato while the Adagio comes in the third movement. Needless to say, it changes the structure and mood of the symphony, redistributing the balance more evenly than Bruckner intended. It’s a nice change and moves from one movement to another seamlessly thanks to Davis’ careful phrasing and attention to details. Played either way, it still is great music - some might say the best and most accessible - by the composer. I cannot recommend this CD highly enough.