Press reviews

Hearing Gerd Schaller’s new recording oft he symphony makes discussions of versions and preferences seem almost redundant, however. From the wonderfully evocative account oft he opening horn solo tot he blazing final peroration, this is a performance of surpassing drive, poetry and splendor. I’m inclined tot hink it’s not only the finest recording of the 1888 version now available but one oft he finest recordings of any version of the Fourth Symphony.

What a joy it has been, listening to this performance of the first version of the 4th! … This excellent Philharmonie Festiva recording of the 1874 Fourth, a masterly interpretation under the baton of Gerd Schaller, provides a benchmark from which the true eloquence of Bruckner’s first version of his Romantic Symphony is given voice and reveals itself as a great work, worthy of standing at least as an equal beside the later more familiar versions of this symphony.

Without question, Schaller and his Philharmonie Festiva make a strong case for that original score and given the expansive quality of the work, everything holds together quite splendidly. … Schaller’s account here of the 1874 version is a warmer, more personal – indeed “Romantic” - experience, more redolent of the sheer joy of music-making. … This goes to the very top of my recommendations for recordings of this symphony – at least in this version if not overall, regardless of edition.

Gerd Schaller reminds us all of the importance of Bruckner’s music. Its ability to stir up huge emotions, and to placate; the sheer energy of the Scherzos; the vast canvases. This is required listening for any Brucknerian, not to mention a sonic extravaganza. Recommended.

„A version for organ, performed on the Cavaillé-Coll organ at Saint Ouen in Rouen, France, completed in 1890 (and so in close relation to the composing dates of Bruckner’s Eighth). This a contemporaneous organ, therefore, in its original condition. And, purely on sonics alone, it sounds amazing. As a disc, this s simply stunning. …It almost sounds like the organ will take off like an aeroplane such is the bright exaltation. …This transcription is a labor of love, perfectly realized. …This is one of the finest organ recordings I have heard.