Kurt Sanderling’s Bruckner Fourth is of the massive and magisterial type most famously espoused by Böhm, but also by Tintner, Karajan (EMI), and others (the polar opposite of more athletic renditions by Klemperer and Dohnányi). Sanderling employs broad, relaxed tempos, building tension less through forward motion and more through tightly wound rhythmic energy and sharp, bold articulation. His rock-steady pace is somewhat of a detriment in the slow movement, where the stalking second subject seems to go on forever. But he quickens the pulse in the following scherzo, and with the aid of the excellent Bavarian brass, turns in a nicely robust rendition. Indeed, the brass play beautifully throughout, while the strings provide a rich, warm tone that sings brightly when the music calls for it. Overall it’s a fine performance, even though Böhm’s 1973 recording, with marvelous playing by the Vienna Philharmonic and still-impressive sound, remains a classic. The Bavarian Radio production is warm and spacious, suffering only from slight dynamic limitation.
