This second release in Christian Thielemann’s new cycle of the Bruckner symphonies with the Vienna Philharmonic was recorded in the Musikverein in November 2020 in conjunction with performances for radio, television and internet broadcast. The public concerts planned alongside the recording, however, were unable to go ahead owing to the pandemic. Whatever the circumstances surrounding the recording, the outcome is a very compelling performance of the symphony.

As with his previous recording of the Third, issued on DVD and Blu-ray disc as part of his cycle of the nine symphonies with the Staatskapelle Dresden, Thielemann opts for the 1877 version of the score edited by Nowak. As impressive as the earlier performance was, the new version feels to me a more lived-in interpretation and one that sustains a greater intensity of feeling throughout. Climaxes in the outer movements are sonorous and imposing, the Andante deeply considered and expressive, the Scherzo infused with energy and purpose. The playing of the Vienna Philharmonic is a significant factor in the success of the performance, as luminous in the Andante as it is characterful and engaging in the Trio. As usual, Thielemann is diligent in observing Bruckner’s tempo and dynamic indications, although is not averse to pushing forwards on the approach to climaxes, most conspicuously in the first-movement recapitulation, and introducing crescendos in the closing bars of the first and third movements. These are relatively minor points of detail, however, in the context of the success of the performance as a whole.

Among other recordings of the 1877 version of the symphony, Haitink’s recording has long been a primary recommendation. It similarly benefits from fine playing from the Vienna Philharmonic and is very well recorded. Comparing the two, however, I find Thielemann’s new account more imaginative and involving, especially in the final two movements, and Sony’s engineering a touch more euphonious. It’s a recording that everyone interested in the composer will want to hear.