Often overlooked by conductors in the past, Bruckner’s D minor Symphony (Die Nullte) has seen something of a renaissance in the last few years, finding its way into many ongoing and recently completed recorded cycles. Although Bruckner nullified the symphony in the early 1870s, this is no apprentice work but the often profound conception of a composer who, upon commencing work on the score in 1869, had already completed the F minor Study Symphony, the three great Masses and the First Symphony.

Schaller’s previous Bruckner recordings, many involving special editions of the symphonies by William Carragan, are usually insightful and, in the First and Second symphonies in particular, frequently inspired. This new recording of the D minor Symphony, however, while well played and recorded, seems to me slightly wanting in youthful energy. Matters are not helped by the rather deliberate pacing of the symphony’s introduction, marked Allegro. Schaller’s tempo of crotchet=98 is certainly swifter than Maazel’s crotchet=90 but significantly slower than the 110 120 adopted by most other conductors. While the opening sounds splendidly ominous in Schaller’s hands, much of the development comes across as ponderous. There are no problems with the interpretation of the Andante or the wonderful slow introduction to the finale, both of which have real eloquence. Schaller’s tempi for the Scherzo and the main body of the finale are also near ideal, although once again an extra dose of adrenaline in the performance would not have gone amiss.

Those collecting Schaller’s cycle need not hesitate. Given the choice, though, I’d opt for Haitink’s classic 1966 account or Inbal’s much underrated 1990 recording (Teldec, 3/91 – nla).