Bruckner Cycle featuring all the symphonies in their original versions, recorded by the MDR Symphony Orchestra under Dennis Russell Davies
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“I was impressed by the beauty and coherent logic of all versions of Bruckner’s symphonies, but I was also deeply moved and inspired by the original first versions.” (Dennis Russell Davies)
When Dennis Russell Davies took over as chief conductor of the MDR Symphony Orchestra in 2020, the idea of recording all of Bruckner’s symphonies in their original versions had already taken shape. An early highlight came as early as 2019 with the impressive performance of the Eighth Symphony at the Gewandhaus in Leipzig. Over the course of four concert seasons beginning in the fall of 2020, the complete Bruckner cycle was ultimately realized, culminating with the recording of the Ninth Symphony in 2024 to mark the composer’s 200th birthday.
Since May, the live recordings of all eleven Bruckner symphonies in their original versions have been released on a monthly basis.
In July, the First Symphony followed, marking the beginning of Bruckner’s mature symphonic output. The original version, known as the “Linz version,” was composed during his time as cathedral organist in Linz. However, the disappointing reception from audiences and the press following the premiere in 1868 prompted Bruckner to later revise the work fundamentally. The “Vienna Version” from 1891 differs from the original version in terms of instrumentation, form, and motivic development. Over time, however, the first version—which Bruckner himself described as his “cheeky little piece”—increasingly established itself in the concert repertoire.
The album has been available on all major streaming and download platforms since July 3, 2026.
Picture: MDR - A. Lander
“I was impressed by the beauty and coherent logic of all versions of Bruckner’s symphonies, but I was also deeply moved and inspired by the original first versions.” (Dennis Russell Davies)
When Dennis Russell Davies took over as chief conductor of the MDR Symphony Orchestra in 2020, the idea of recording all of Bruckner’s symphonies in their original versions had already taken shape. An early highlight came as early as 2019 with the impressive performance of the Eighth Symphony at the Gewandhaus in Leipzig. Over the course of four concert seasons beginning in the fall of 2020, the complete Bruckner cycle was ultimately realized, culminating with the recording of the Ninth Symphony in 2024 to mark the composer’s 200th birthday.
Since May, the live recordings of all eleven Bruckner symphonies in their original versions have been released on a monthly basis.
In July, the First Symphony followed, marking the beginning of Bruckner’s mature symphonic output. The original version, known as the “Linz version,” was composed during his time as cathedral organist in Linz. However, the disappointing reception from audiences and the press following the premiere in 1868 prompted Bruckner to later revise the work fundamentally. The “Vienna Version” from 1891 differs from the original version in terms of instrumentation, form, and motivic development. Over time, however, the first version—which Bruckner himself described as his “cheeky little piece”—increasingly established itself in the concert repertoire.
The album has been available on all major streaming and download platforms since July 3, 2026.
Picture: MDR - A. Lander