Anton Bruckner (1824-1896)
Symphonie n° 3 en ré mineur (3ème version, 1889)
Symphonie n° 6 en la majeur

Orchestre Symphonique de Berne
Mario Venzago, direction

Five symphonies by Anton Bruckner in sensational interpretations by the Swiss conductor Mario Venzago are now on the market, and even now it is apparent that this edition is setting new standards. A few excerpts from the press: klassik-heute.com 12/11: “Mario Venzago’s novel, absolutely independent Bruckner reading, perhaps somewhat unsettling for some, here enjoys a continuation that is not only fascinating but also electrifying. Everything breathes; everything is distinctive in its particular statement and makes sense. A Bruckner interpretation that brings to light what is unheard-of and so far has remained unheard.” Christoph Jetzschke in klassik-heute.com: “Here somebody displays an individual character and a unique profile. Nobody can afford to miss this new approach to Bruckner.” Pizzicato 9/12: “Venzago’s courage to interpret Bruckner more romantically than postromantically makes sense because the second symphony suddenly develops a life of its own and enthuses the listener with its own stylistic musicality. This is certainly one of the best recordings of this composition!” This month our edition continues with the third and sixth symphonies, this time with Venzago’s own orchestra, the Bern Symphony Orchestra. Richard Wagner accepted Bruckner’s offer to dedicate the third symphony to him in July 1873. It was originally larded with Wagner quotations, but Bruckner thoroughly revised it after it had been roundly criticized, first in 1875 and then again while working on his ninth symphony in 1888. In contrast, the sixth symphony of 1879 represents an isolated case in Bruckner’s œuvre: it developed organically from the very beginning, as if automatically. It exists in one sole version!