The third movement is a scherzo in ternary form. It begins with a ferocious hunting main theme, led by brilliant brasses with triadic hunting horn calls, which also recalls Bruckner's own military march in E flat major from 1865. The music rises in powerful peaks contrasted by more melodic phrases. The trio section opens with a lyrical second theme on the wood, largely derived from the previous material. The scherzo is then repeated in its entirety, ending the movement with great vigour. The fourth movement is also structured in a large-scale, modified sonata form. It opens with a sombre and menacing main theme introduced by the brass over string tremolos and ostinatos. It epically passes to full orchestra in two tremendous climaxes. After a brief pause, a more lyrical and melancholic second theme is presented by strings, unfolding with a rising mixture of joy and nobility. A forceful and violent third theme is then suddenly unleashed on full orchestra. After a gentle diminuendo, the development begins with the reappearance of the main theme, joined by the rest as these are transformed extensively and a climax of extraordinary ferocity is reached. The varied recapitulation of the material opens with a ferocious interpretation of the main theme. As the music calms down, the horns introduce a solemn chorale derived from the main theme of the first movement, which then leads us to a triumphal coda in a brilliant E flat major.
Way back in the late 1960's, I subscribed to the Time-Life series The Story of Great Music. In one of the series, The Opulent Era, I came across the Bruckner 4th. I played this recording over and over ... what glorious music! This of course led me to discovering all his symphonies, but I will always enjoy the 4th. And thank you for the Barenboim recording,
👍 Many years ago the 4th also was my gateway to Bruckner. Whenever anyone asks about this unique composer, I always recommend a good recording of the 4th, like this one.
One of the best Symphonies ever, and the greatest recording of the work, Babe the Chicago brass be brassing!, one of those to rip the volume of your speakers off, thanks for the Upload!.
