Zubin Mehta - Bruckner: Symphony No. 9 (1965) [2024 SACD]

Zubin Mehta's recordings belong to a special chapter in Decca's analogue recording history – a chapter of sonically spectacular recordings that delight audiophiles and sound engineers alike. This limited edition SHM-SACD (non-hybrid) of Bruckner's "Symphony No. 9 in D minor" is a recording of a performance conducted by the young Mehta at the age of 29. It is known as a classic that does a great job of capturing the distinctive sound of the Vienna Philharmonic's instruments with a realistic texture and the rich sound that fills the Sofiensaal (Vienna). The 9th Symphony, on which the Austrian composer worked until shortly before his death, is imbued with a sublime feeling of resignation. Although it is an unfinished work, it is extremely complete in content and, as Bruckner said, a work truly dedicated to God.

Zubin Mehta was born on April 29, 1936 in Bombay, now Mumbai. The Indian conductor was, among other things, chief conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic from 1962 to 1978, chief conductor of the New York Philharmonic from 1978 to 1991, general music director of the Bavarian State Opera from 1998 to 2006 and has been honorary conductor of the Staatskapelle Berlin since 2014. From 1977 to 2019 he was also chief conductor of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Recorded in May 1965, the original tapes, some of which were in very poor condition, were extensively restored and reworked - with the help of the DSD master from Classic Sound (2024).

Tracks:

Symphony No.9 In D Minor
1. Feierlich. Misterioso 26:07
2. Scherzo. Bewegt Lebhaft - Trio. Schnell 10:46
3. Adagio. Langsam, Feierlich 27:18


Personnel:

Conductor – Zubin Mehta
Orchestra – Wiener Philharmoniker

Recording: May 1965, Sofiensaal, Vienna (Austria)