by Caleb Easterly
On Thursday night, Zubin Mehta delivered a solemn, powerful reading of Bruckner’s tumultuous 8th symphony to a nearly sold-out house at Avery Fisher Hall. Mehta, who was the music director of the New York Philharmonic for 13 years (1978-1991), showed a clear affinity for thie sprawling symphony.
Bruckner's 8th begins with an ambiguity that is reminiscent of Beethoven while looking ahead to Mahler, with themes in the brass and violins that are at once yearning and damning. It is evident why this symphony was nicknamed “The Apocalyptic,” though Bruckner himself did not give it that name.
Throughout the slower middle movements, Mehta – who conducted from memory – led the orchestra with a steady hand and a minimum of movement, giving the musicians plenty of room to express themselves. Unfortunately, I found myself wanting more from both orchestra and conductor. In terms of sheer visual spectacle – which is admittedly of questionable importance to any performance of orchestral music – Mehta had little to offer.
My mind was completely changed by the Finale. In a terrific climax, Mehta demonstrated a stately gravitas that fortified the orchestra's sound in ways I have seldom heard. Bruckner’s powerful pillars of brass – performed brilliantly here by the Phil – were simply awe-inspiring. And, one cannot listen to the powerful C-major coda of the Finale and leave feeling uninspired. If, at times, Bruckner seems to take a long time to get to the point, that point is well worth the wait.
After it was over, the audience leapt to their feet and delivered a long, well-deserved standing ovation, aimed equally at the Phil and Mehta.