Composer: Anton Bruckner
Works: Symphony No. 3 in D minor (Edition of 1877 with additions from 1889)
Performers: Philharmonia Orchestra, Lovro Von Matacic (conductor)
Recording: Recorded at a Promenade Concert, Royal Albert Hall, London, 23rd July 1983
Label: BBC Legends BBCL 4079-2
Bruckner’s Symphony No. 3 in D minor occupies a pivotal space within the composer’s oeuvre, not only as a reflection of his evolving symphonic language but also as a testament to his engagement with the Wagnerian aesthetic. This symphony, initially completed in 1873, was revised extensively, with the 1877 edition bringing forth a more refined structure while incorporating elements from the later 1889 version. The work represents Bruckner’s attempt to grapple with the symphonic form, marrying expansive thematic material with a deeply spiritual undercurrent. Lovro Von Matacic’s interpretation of this edition, captured live at the Royal Albert Hall in 1983, sheds light on the composer’s intentions while presenting a compelling argument for Matacic’s often-overlooked stature as a Bruckner conductor.
Matacic’s approach to the first movement exemplifies a deep understanding of Bruckner’s architecture. He navigates the sprawling themes with a commendable sense of pacing, allowing the music’s inherent drama to unfold organically. The Philharmonia Orchestra responds with an impressive blend of warmth and precision, especially the strings, whose lush sound serves as a foundation for the brass and woodwinds. Noteworthy is Matacic’s ability to maintain a cohesive narrative throughout the movement, subtly adjusting tempi to accentuate Bruckner’s lyrical passages without losing sight of the overarching structure. The recapitulation arrives with a quiet inevitability, a testament to Matacic’s skill in preparing the listener for the emotional weight of the return.
In the second movement, Matacic adopts a noble and direct character, though the interpretation benefits significantly from familiarity with the original 1873 score. This performance, while compelling, encounters limitations due to its reliance on the 1877 version, which alters some of Bruckner’s more poignant intentions. Nonetheless, Matacic’s urgency infuses the movement with a questing spirit, particularly during the transitions that bridge sections of contrasting emotional weight. The brass section shines here, their clarity providing a sturdy backbone that enhances the movement’s rhythmic drive.
The Scherzo presents an invigorating contrast, characterized by a buoyant rhythmic pull that reflects Matacic’s adeptness at balancing the playful and the serious. The trio section brings a pastoral quality that contrasts effectively with the Scherzo’s vigorous theme, highlighting Matacic’s nuanced control over the orchestra’s dynamic range. The recording quality is striking for its time, offering a vivid soundstage that captures the timpanist’s incisive strikes and the brassy chorales with clarity. The engineering here allows for a palpable sense of space, as if the listener were present in the concert hall, thus enhancing the overall impact of the performance.
While the finale of the Third Symphony often proves to be a contentious point in Bruckner’s repertoire, Matacic’s interpretation manages to elevate it beyond its perceived shortcomings. The thematic material, though less cohesive than that found in Bruckner’s later symphonies, is delivered with sufficient conviction to keep the listener engaged. The contrasting “polka” sections juxtaposed against the grand chorales exhibit Matacic’s ability to highlight the work’s inherent contradictions, culminating in a coda that, while not the crowning achievement of the symphony, emerges with a genuine sense of triumph.
This archival performance stands out not only for Matacic’s insightful direction but also for the remarkable sound quality that has been preserved. The digital recording technology employed at the time renders a clear and vibrant acoustic landscape, making this release a significant addition to the Bruckner discography. It is a performance that reflects both the challenges and the triumphs of interpreting a complex work from a composer whose legacy continues to inspire debate and admiration. Matacic’s interpretation, with its blend of sensitivity and authority, offers a rewarding listening experience that invites repeated engagement with this remarkable, yet often misunderstood, symphonic masterpiece.
