Bruckner's String Quintet - arranged for orchestra

[Mark Thomas]

I'm aware of another arrangement for orchestra of the Quintet's Adagio, but not one of the whole work. Here's a new recording of just that, made by Gerd Schaller. Oddly, his orchestration of the string Intermezzo, is placed between the Quintet's third and fourth movements, making it a five movement quasi-symphony.

[Alan Howe]

I've just received my copy of Schaller's orchestration. It really is a most odd work - absolutely typical Bruckner, but somehow often oblique and elusive. Schaller's orchestration sounds authentic enough, although he really needed a more luxurious-sounding orchestra. They actually play well enough, but one wonders why he didn't make the recording with his superlative Philharmonie Festiva.

[Mark Thomas]

I do agree - it's all very thin and weedy, and to add to the deficiencies of the orchestra, the orchestration itself remains quite string-dominated. What one gets is a sort of "Bruckner-lite", without the majesty that one expects from the climaxes in one of the symphonies or the thrill of the brass chorales. Quite an odd listen.

[Alan Howe]

It could mean that the original was best left alone...

[Mark Thomas]

Certainly left alone by Herr Schaller, anyway. That said, I think that a beefier orchestration and a stronger ensemble might well have made for a more satisfying experience. As it is, it sounds like Bruckner on an off-day.

[Alan Howe]

Agreed. Or a Bruckner suite/serenade rather than a symphony, perhaps? Rather a perverse notion anyway.

[eschiss1]

Well, there is a Bruckner serenade (WAB 84, for tenor and male chorus)

[Alan Howe]

Yes, hmmmmm....