When first issued in 1985, this performance of the Seventh raised eyebrows for its exceptionally slow tempos in the outer movements. It was a milestone that didn’t last long. Out came Maazel (EMI) and then Celibidache (also EMI), making this recording sound positively zippy in comparison. Chailly’s reading still impresses as among the best available for its long-breathed, intense lyricism and concentration, not to mention the overwhelmingly magnificent brass sonorities in the coda of the first movement and the climax of the Adagio. While it may not displace Jochum’s exceptional EMI rendition with the Staatskapelle Dresden (EMI obviously has a line on Bruckner 7: there’s Karajan and Klemperer too, both excellent), it easily withstands comparison, and at budget price it’s an exceptional value. I also urge anyone on a budget to try Skrowaczewski’s very different interpretation on Arte Nova as well. At these prices, you can afford a little duplication.
