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The performance of Bruckner’s Symphony No. 9 by the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, with a history of 280 years, was truly exceptional. The performance, which was infinitely lyrical yet fiercely heightened emotions, akin to the ‘explosion’ of the universe, deeply moved the audience. After the performance at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall on the 16th, there was an unusually large number of spectators who gave a standing ovation, and the applause lasted quite a while.
In fact, Bruckner’s Symphony No. 9 is a tremendous piece of music in and of itself. That’s why some people picked it as the best program among the performances of foreign orchestras in Korea this year. This unfinished work, which Bruckner was devoted to composing for nearly a decade but couldn’t complete before his death, is Bruckner’s masterpiece and a grand work that seems to encompass nature, the universe, and the heavenly world. Bruckner dedicated his 7th and 8th symphonies to the king, but the 9th was dedicated to God. In other words, the 9th is a work that is like the composer’s last prayer to God.
Music critic Hwang Jang-won, who attended the performance, said, “They brought out the advantages of Bruckner’s symphony, which the Germans consider sacred music,” and “The performance showed that the Leipzig Gewandhaus is one of the best orchestras to play Bruckner.”
The Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, which conductor Nelsons says has “Bruckner’s music in its DNA,” boasts an unrivaled status in Bruckner’s performances. This oldest orchestra in the world recorded all of Bruckner’s symphonies with world-renowned conductors such as Herbert Blomstedt and Kurt Masur, after premiering Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7 under the baton of Arthur Nikisch in 1884.
They released another complete set of Bruckner’s symphonies with Nelsons from 2016 until October this year. Nelsons says that he is still fascinated by the human aspect filled with doubt and the spiritual fulfillment that he feels in Bruckner’s music.
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In this performance, Nelsons showed a bold conducting style. Rather than focusing excessively on details, he highlighted the charm of the piece by grasping the big picture well.
Critic Hwang said, “Nelsons is a good leader who respects the members and leads the performance,” and “He brought out the touching points that the piece itself gives. The Gewandhaus also showed amazing concentration.”
Critic Son Su-yeon said, “Nelsons’ conducting, which allows the instruments to demonstrate their abilities while highlighting the important pulse of the piece, was very good,” and “The true value of the Gewandhaus shone in the Bruckner performance.”
In the first part of the performance, the ‘Prelude’ and ‘Love’s Death’ from Wagner’s ‘Tristan and Isolde’ were performed.
Critic Son said, “It was interesting that they arranged Wagner’s piece in the first half of the performance and Bruckner’s in the second half, as Bruckner was influenced by Wagner,” but “It’s a bit difficult to say that the performance of the prelude of ‘Tristan and Isolde’ was perfect.”
Although there were some empty seats that day, it seemed that many classical music lovers visited the concert hall. On a late autumn evening with rain, many people turned their steps with the lingering impression of Bruckner’s Symphony No. 9 presented by the Leipzig Gewandhaus.
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