A Blaze of Glory – Bruckner’s Ninth Symphony

In this mighty symphony, the culmination of his life’s work, Bruckner strove for total perfection.

The Programme

Dedicated to God, and written in D minor, just like Beethoven’s Ninth, Bruckner’s Symphony No 9 was to be the epic product of ten years’ obsessive labour. But Bruckner died when he was working on the final pages, which have now been lost.

On his deathbed, he suggested that the symphony could be made complete with his Te Deum, a radiantly passionate choral hymn of praise. On his copy of the score, the composer Mahler wrote admiringly that the chorus was written ‘for the tongues of angels.’ Its massive sonic forces complete a symphony that is in turns solemn, ferocious, searching and resigned.

The Performers

Bruckner is one of Natalie Stutzmann’s three favourite composers to conduct. Under her baton, the LSO strains every sinew to support his gargantuan final achievement. The London Symphony Chorus raise their voices to the heavens with celestial clarity in the Te Deum.

‘When the Almighty finally calls me to Him and asks: ‘Where are the talents that I gave you?,’ then I will proffer the roll of sheet music containing my Te Deum, and He will judge me mercifully.’ – Bruckner

Change of artist

Christina Nilsson is ill and has been forced to withdraw from this concert. We are extremely grateful to Lucy Crowe for agreeing to step in at short notice. All ticket holders are in the process of being notified.
Posted Friday 9 February 9.30am

Generously supported by The Jeremy and John Sacher Charitable Trust

Header Image © Mark Allan