Bruckner’s Symphony No. 8

Programme

Bruckner’s Symphony No. 8 is an 80-minute “cathedral in sound” – vast, intense and deeply spiritual, and one of the most ambitious works he ever completed.

Tonight conducted by Lawrence Renes, the work is scored for a massive orchestra including triple woodwinds, 8 horns, and harps. It is characterized by intense, Wagnerian brass chorales, profound spiritual depth, and an apocalyptic, emotionally charged, and highly contrapuntal structure.

It opens in an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty, with a dark theme in the low strings that keeps returning in different guises. The energetic Scherzo drives relentlessly forward, before the expansive Adagio brings music of glowing warmth, solemn beauty and quiet awe.

The Finale draws the whole symphony together, recalling earlier ideas and transforming them in a dramatic struggle that finally resolves in a triumphant contrapuntal blaze of sound. Listen for the way themes reappear and grow across the piece, and for the powerful sense of journey, from doubt and darkness to overwhelming affirmation at the end.

Please note change of conductor. Due to illness, Donald Runnicles is no longer able to conduct this concert. We are grateful to Lawrence Renes for stepping in at short notice.