Page 1070 - Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Coverage Book 2023-24

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Portrait of Anton Bruckner by Ferry Beraton, 1889. Photograph: Album/Alamy
The Austrian composer Anton Bruckner (1824-96) attracts passionate devotion as
much as total resistance: few listeners are neutral. His epic symphonies are often called
“cathedrals of sound” – a cliche, but useful as a route into this majestic, brass-rich
music. The Big Bruckner Weekend (the Glasshouse, Gateshead; 1 to 3 March),
featuring four orchestras – Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Royal Northern Sinfonia,
BBC Scottish SO and the Hallé – offers a rare chance to hear the last three symphonies
(Seventh, Eighth and the unfinished Ninth) and the “Great” Mass No 3. Full exposure
should leave you clear about how you feel towards this eccentric genius. FM