Bruckner: Symphony No. 8 (Cambridge Music Handbooks)

Unfortunate that the reviewer who liked this book the least posted their review twice, lowering the overall rating that much more. So I was compelled to post my own review having read the book and judging it much more worthy than a 3-star rating. Since my Bruckner discovery only a few yrs back I've been on a quest to find an answer to the question "Why does Bruckner's music affect me the way it does?" I've read most of the English language books on Bruckner (which sadly isn't saying much) and to me this book is one of the best, albeit limited in scope. In fact in a number of books on Bruckner which are mainly collections of essays written by different authors (Perspectives, Cambridge Companion...) I've found the chapters written by this author, Benjamin Korstvedt, to be some of the most informative and well-written for a layman such as myself. Not to say they are dumbed-down, he just seems to have a knack for presenting material, often-times complex and multi-layered in the case of Bruckner, in an organized and understandable way.Its true this book is small, as are the other Cambridge Music Handbooks typically devoted to one work of a particular composer, but there's plenty packed into these pages to make it an informative and entertaining read for any Bruckner devotee or interested music lover. The symphony's reception, individual movements, textual considerations and performance practice are expertly revealed (Korstvedt published the 1888 version of the 4th for the Bruckner Collected Works edition, so he knows his Bruckner) but a couple of things really caught my attention. The first was regarding the evolution of the 8th, specifically Levi's rejection of it and Bruckner's reaction to that. This was not a distraught, devastated Bruckner, easily persuaded. This was an artist who knew his craft and would go on to create the greatest symphony of all time.I also enjoyed the chapter about the sublime in Bruckner's music. The author begins with a brief history on writings of the sublime in general, then goes on to demonstrate it in the Adagio of the 8th. I totally relate to the sublime elements of vastness, incomprehensibility, etc in Bruckner's music. So I may have gotten the answer to my question about Bruckner's appeal, now I just need to understand what it is that makes something seem sublime. Keep an eye on the resale prices. I picked up a copy of the hardcover at a much better price than what i'm seeing now. Its a very attractive book with a great image of our boy A.B.

Bruckner's 8th symphony is sublime. It has a certain primordial quality. I tore into this book last night, and I must say it will enhance your listening experience and serve as a guide to unlocking the mysteries of this great work. The book delves deep into the harmonic structure, explaining the chromatic shifts and the way in which Bruckner transforms themes and motifs. The author goes into detail about the original and revisions (1890 version), and I enjoyed the details on early performances, reception, and Bruckner's search for a publisher. Highly recommended.

There are so many complaints about books like this from Amazon "reviewers" to the effect that all the musical "analysis" misses the point of the music. The usual line is that knowing the "form" isn't the same as "understanding" the "content."I wonder why these people think that a critic should impose himself between the music and any listener, however modest his musical knowledge? Isn't the point of analysis to describe the structure of the work? If, in addition, the critic wants to offer his own emotional response to a composition, that's very desirable.To the degree that you can understand the structure of a work, you'll probably refine your personal response to it, but to ask that a definitive "interpretation" be supplied by a critic misses the point.That said, I think this book is well worth buying if you love the Bruckner 8.

If you care at all about this symphony or this era, do not miss this book - one of the best Cambridge handbooks (a superb series). Korstvedt not only clarifies the murky question of revisions, and helps us understand the creative process in this work and the structure and meaning - he also explodes what has become the conventional wisdom about editions. He makes a powerful case for the supposedly "corrupt" edition published in the composer's lifetime, showing how it profoundly changes our understanding of the meaning of the work, and discussing great early recordings based on this edition (and comparing them to some distinguished modern recordings). The chapter on performance traditions by itself is worth the price (only $10 used - what a deal!) A must-read, which I hope will be read not only by listeners but by Bruckner performers.

So far as we know, his 8th symphony is as famous as his 9th and/or 4th.There is also a famous annecdote that all the students of Composer's were really impressed when he first played this symphony by piano.Composer explained that this symphony reflects the life of his living in the country.But, this book (though it seems that the author had been tried his great effort to complete this) just shows the analysis of his 8th.However, thank to author that the most difficult area of discovering Bruckner's symphony at the most detailed situation.All the lovers of 8th symphony are recommended to purchase this item.

Not read yet but book in excellent condition and quickly dispatched. Very satisfied.

I found this book very interesting. It shows that these different versions of each symphony are not as important as sometimes put forward. It also makes it clear that Bruckner was not easily manipulated but quite a forceful character. Doing revisions is something quite normal. Of course some people might not like these, but they were all authorized by the composer.