Bruckner - Symphony No. 7 in E major, WAB 107: I. Allegro moderato (Part I)

Quite possibly the fastest and least Wagnerian Bruckner Seventh ever recorded, Walter brings forth the childlike innocence and sense of wonder of this symphony like few other conductors do, seldom has Bruckner's kinship with Schubert been more obvious than here. Also note how he eschews the unnecessary percussion effects Nikitsch added to the slow movement long before it became common. Recorded live in 1954.

As always, I regret having to split this glorious music - enjoy.

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[1brewski2]

Well. If you're used to the slower way, with the Nikisch percussion, this is, er, um, different. I love Walter as a conductor, but it would take some getting used to.

[Nachtmarchen]

@1brewski2 It's not an unusual tempo among conductors of his vintage, Klemperer, Andreae, Kabasta, Böhm and even Furtwängler chose tempi in Bruckner that are brisker than the ones that became the norm during the second half of the 20th century, almost without exception. At least before illness and old age got the better of them (post-heart-attack Walter and post-burn Klemperer).

[teagueqc]

It's a very good speed. Although the movement is marked 'allegro moderato', it's usually played andante, which is far too slow.

[TheWhitehall]

The Fuhrer would approve.

[ijrupahsinosub]

just to be argumentative... is it just possible that bw's audience here had something to do with the approach. and is bruckner defined by a zero sum relationship, so to speak, between schubert's and wagner's influences; indeed the qualities you describe could perhaps be considered even more "purely" brucknerian than schubertian...

beautiful, beautiful performance.