ConcertPulse
SWR Symphonieorchester / Pablo Heras-Casado
Elbphilharmonie, Großer Saal (Hamburg)
Anton Bruckner was extremely critical of his compositions throughout his lifetime – with just a few exceptions: he described his Sixth Symphony as his »boldest« and the »Te Deum« as the »pride of his life«. It is absolutely fitting, then, that the world-renowned conductor Pablo Heras-Casado should be congratulating the composer on his 200th birthday with this programme performed by a large orchestra! The »Te Deum« is a mighty creation in praise of God, with an orchestra performing alongside an organ, choir and four vocal soloists. They include the sought-after soprano Christina Landshamer and the bass Franz-Josef Selig, who recently impressed Hamburg audiences in Wagner’s »Flying Dutchman« at the State Opera. Bruckner most likely wanted to impress even divine powers with the five-part work but, that aside, has certainly been inspiring audiences down here on earth ever since the premiere. We can only guess as to what exactly Bruckner found so bold about his Sixth Symphony, but there are many possible reasons: the succinct rhythm right at the start, the energy of which is perpetuated throughout the entire first movement. Or perhaps it alludes to the third movement, which swings back and forth between spooky sequences and blaring brass. Viewed as a whole, the symphonies are among Bruckner’s most »secular« works, making them the perfect counterpart to the Te Deum.
