Bruckner: Symphony No. 9 (Original Version)

Steeped in the Austro-German symphonic tradition, the players of the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich bring beautifully blended sound to the vast span of Anton Bruckner’s Ninth Symphony. The finale of this work was unfinished at his death, but its three complete movements nonetheless make for a compelling journey. Conductor Paavo Järvi keeps a keen sense of momentum through the first movement’s solemn procession, with exquisite sensitivity from the strings in its quieter passages. That same assured pacing makes the wild swings between ferocity and playfulness in the second movement’s “Scherzo” sound entirely natural, while providing a vivid showcase for the woodwind and brass. Järvi does note allow the long “Adagio” to wallow, taking it a touch quicker than many conductors. The richness of the Tonhalle’s strings makes them the star here, and the alpine magnificence of the movement’s climactic passages ensure that, though not the symphony’s intended finale, it sounds a fitting culmination.