Saarbrucken Radio Symphony Orchestra, Stanislaw Skrowaczewski - Bruckner: Symphony No. 1 (2010)

Recognized as a leading Brucknerian composer by the Mahler/Bruckner society, conductor Stanislaw Skrowaczewski does not fail to live up to his accolades in this performance of Bruckner's First Symphony. The Saarbrucken RSO achieves a remarkable sound and unity under Skrowaczewski's direction, more than might be expected from a relatively small German radio orchestra. The brass section alone does honor to Bruckner's composition, rivaling the technique and sheer power of more well-known brass power houses such as the Chicago Symphony. The second movement Adagio is filled with lush, passionate string playing. Skrowaczewski keeps this elegant movement going, maintaining its tension but never allowing it to become bogged down. The Scherzo is wildly exciting but always well-controlled, and the remarkable precision with dynamics can startle a listener from the edge of his/her seat. The overall sound quality of this recording is excellent and balance is never an issue; every instrument in the orchestra can easily be heard even during the most rambunctious tuttis. Bruckner fans and neophytes alike will find this album (and indeed all of Skrowaczewski's later Bruckner recordings) extremely satisfying and worthwhile.