Wiener Philharmoniker, Leonard Bernstein - Bruckner: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor (2017)

An unfinished symphony conducted at the end of one's journey. This stunning and heartrending interpretation by Bernstein and the Vienna Philharmonic is a testament to complete immersion in ensemble perfection. Bernstein, here soon at the end of his life, and in his last appearance with the Philharmonic never once attempts to upstage a single moment of this extraordinary work -- too often bombastically approached or academically devoid of personal experience when orchestras attempt it. Only Giulini, with the same orchestra, comes close to this performance -- and there for different reasons succeeds with another compelling interpretation. But here Bernstein has complete union with each player and instrument. He builds the music as architecture; each movement is a door to the next, and the last movement is a window onto the vast unknown and unaswered ultimate question -- what lies beyond us? He pays tribute to his art that he does not seek to answer but rather accepts its extraordinary mystery. The string and brass sections on this performance dance off your skin, and raise the hairs. Bernstein conducts with such love and connection for the players and they respond to each other in complete artistry; separately beautiful sounds melding into a universe of glorious tribute to the composer's intentions and ideas. He knew this would be his last with them. And they made a recording for the history books. I have listened to many Bruckner 9ths; none can compare to this document of pure love on all sides. This is a recording that must be paid full attention. You can not play it "in the background" -- you'll do yourself an injustice. Put the headphones on and you will be stunned. To say that this is an "unfinished" symphony is deny its extraordinary and incomparable affirmations in music that is unforgettable.