This is a tremendously exciting release. I have long admired Jochum's Bruckner, but, for whatever reason, have tended to rank it a notch lower than Karajan and Wand. To some extent that must be chalked up to the serviceable but somewhat dull sounding DG CDs with which I was familiar. This HDTT release is a true sonic spectacular and underscores the extent to which the big labels are indifferent custodians of their back catalogs. This is one of the true jewels in the HDTT library, ranking with Steinberg's Brahms. It would unthinkable not to proceed with the rest of Jochum's Berlin cycle!

Anton Bruckner is much better known for his later symphonies. His mature works are of course noted for their substantial length, exceptionally rich orchestration, and brooding dramatic power. No. 1, despite a lifetime as a Brucknerian, was unknown to me prior to this release from HDTT. So I had no idea what to expect. It turned out to be lighter, more melodic and Romantic, then the later symphonies I've loved for decades. It's nonetheless extremely well orchestrated and with its occasional massive orchestral climaxes and lilting dance interludes in 3/4 time, gives some hints of the later Bruckner style. So if you're new to Bruckner, this might be a good place to start. If you're an old hand, like me, it's a refreshing "new" discovery from the guy' s early days. I found myself taking simple, pre-intellectual musical pleasure in the listening. The minutes ticked by, and without realizing it, what had started out as a brief sampling session turned into a hearing of the whole work beginning to end. It was that effortless. Of course Eugen Jochum was for decades THE great Bruckner champion. More than anyone, he taught the modern world to love this composer. So, at the helm of the mighty Berlin Philharmonic, he's the guy you want with the baton here. In HDTT's trademark DXD remastering of excellent analog-era (1966) DG sonics, you've got real sonic excellence here.