DVD Videos

Renowned for his interpretations of Bruckner’s Symphonies, Günter Wand (1912-2002) held prominent positions for over thirty years in Cologne – at the Cologne Opera and the Gurzenich Orchestra as well as conducting the WDR Symphony Orchestra – after which he moved to Switzerland, where his reputation grew.

Described as his personal ‘Symphony of Fate’, his great affinity for Bruckner’s Fifth Symphony in particular was noted by the composer Bernd Alois Zimmermann.

His first recording of the work won the German Record Prize in 1978, and became a huge success. In his recording of Bruckner 5 with the Berlin Philharmonic on RCA, Wand is described in the Penguin Guide as ‘an experienced and selfless interpreter [who] gives a noble reading, magnificently played.’

In the early 80s Wand became Principal Conductor of the NDR Symphony Orchestra, as well as conducting the BBC Symphony Orchestra for the first time. Wand’s London concerts with the BBC Symphony as Principal Guest Conductor were much acclaimed particularly in his later years, having finally gained the recognition he deserved.

The bonus interview shows Wand’s deep understanding and appreciation of this music through his discourse on mysticism in Bruckner’s works and the structure of the Fifth Symphony.

This is the first DVD release of this material.

BONUS

Interview: Günter Wand

ROYAL ALBERT HALL, LONDON, 9 SEPTEMBER 1990

1DVD

Sound format: LCPM Stereo

Picture format: 4:3

Running time: 79’

Subtitles: E/F (Bonus)

Menu languages: English

Booklet languages: E/F/G

Region code: 0

Territory Restrictions: None

Günter Wand (1912-2002) made an imperative contribution not only to our understanding of Bruckner but also to that of Schubert as a symphonist. Both composers were particularly close to his heart and his international breakthrough came - late in his life - with his highly-acclaimed Bruckner and Schubert recordings.

In the television recording including Schubert’s wonderful “Unfinished” Symphony, Günter Wand and his inimitable style of conducting are brought back to life in a particularly impressive way. The films of his concerts at the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival, from 1987 onwards, can truly be regarded as Günter Wand‘s legacy to the NDR Sinfonieorchester, „his“ orchestra for almost 20 years, on which he has left a mark like no other.

Sound Format: PCM STEREO

DVD Format: DVD 5, NTSC

Picture Format: 16:9

FSK: 0

Running Time: 85 mins

The programme of the concert that Günter Wand (1912-2002) conducted to open the 2001 Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival – the last time he was to do so – was a private profession of his faith in Schubert and Bruckner. Both composers and both works were particularly close to his heart. Neither symphony was finished, yet, for all their stylistic differences, the movements that were completed create the impression of fully rounded works and do so, moreover, in startlingly similar ways. The result is what might be termed two “finished unfinished symphonies”. Time and again towards the end of his life, Günter Wand combined these two works in a single programme, his interpretation of them confirming their affinities in the finest manner imaginable.

The films of his concerts at the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival, from 1987 onwards, can truly be regarded as Günter Wand‘s legacy to the NDR Sinfonieorchester, „his“ orchestra for almost 20 years, on which he has left a mark like no other.

Sound Format: PCM Stereo

Picture Format: 4:3

DVD Format: DVD 9, NTSC

Running Time: 100 mins

FSK: 0

Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival, 7th July 1996

Few conductors have made a greater contribution to our presentday understanding of Bruckner than Günter Wand (1912-2002). His readings of the composer‘s symphonies invariably concentrated on their texture and hence, their spirit. During the great final phase of his career, documented here, Wand devoted himself increasingly to Bruckner‘s works and his interpretations became more and more free, revealing both heartfelt emotion and

musical intelligence. He developed trademark fidelity towards Bruckner, which led to insightful readings of his works. Wherever possible Wand returned to the versions representing most clearly the composer‘s intentions - be it the „urtext“ or scrupulously restored versions.

In the television recording of Bruckner’s Symphony No.6, Günter Wand and his inimitable style of conducting are brought back to life in a particularly impressive way.

The films of his concerts at the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival, from 1987 onwards, can truly be regarded as Günter Wand‘s legacy to the NDR Sinfonieorchester, „his“ orchestra for almost 20 years, on which he has left a mark like no other.

Sound Format: PCM STEREO

Picture Format: 16:9

DVD Format: DVD 5, NTSC

Running Time: 80 mins

FSK: 0

Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival 2000

Few conductors have made a greater contribution to our presentday understanding of Bruckner than Günter Wand (1912-2002). His readings of the composer‘s symphonies invariably concentrated on their texture and hence, their spirit. During the great final phase of his career, documented here, Wand devoted himself increasingly to Bruckner‘s works and his interpretations became more and more free, revealing both heartfelt emotion and musical intelligence. He developed trademark fidelity towards Bruckner, which led to insightful readings of his works. Wherever possible Wand returned to the versions representing most clearly the composer‘s intentions - be it the „urtext“ or scrupulously restored versions. In the television recording of Bruckner’s Symphony No.8, Günter Wand and his inimitable style of conducting are brought back to life in a particularly impressive way.

The films of his concerts at the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival, from 1987 onwards, can truly be regarded as Günter Wand‘s legacy to the NDR Sinfonieorchester, "his" orchestra for almost 20 years, on which he has left a mark like no other.

Sound Format: PCM STEREO

Picture Format: 16:9

DVD Format: DVD 9, NTSC

Running Time: 96 mins

FSK: 0