Otto Klemperer’s 1965 recording of Bruckner’s Sixth Symphony never has been surpassed, and this reissue presents it sounding better than ever. His performance is typically unsentimental and very grand, but it never drags (his slow movement actually is one of the quickest on disc), and he reveals more instrumental detail than anyone else. The New Philharmonia also is on its best behavior, and while other ensembles have featured richer brass playing, even the occasional rough edges only add to the honesty and integrity of Klemperer’s achievement. As if this weren’t enough, EMI adds a considerable bonus in the form of one of the best-ever performances of Wagner’s Wesendonck-Lieder, featuring the incomparable Christa Ludwig. At mid-price, you simply cannot afford to ignore this disc. It’s a classic in every sense of the word. [9/25/1999]
