GUNTER WAND EDITION, PART I (PAL)

Cat no.: DV-COWANDBOX1

Picture Format: 4:3 (DVD I), 16:9 anamorphic (DVD II, II + IV)
Sound Format: LPCM stereo
Running Time: 82 mins. (DVD I) 80 mins. (DVD II) 96 mins. (DVD III) 100 mins. (DVD IV)
Region Code: DVD 5 (DVD I+II), 9 (DVD III + IV)
Booklet Languages: GB, F, D
Recording Date: 1996-2001

Few conductors have made a greater contribution to our present-day 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 on DVDs, 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.

Wand believed that the greatness of Bruckner's music could only be grasped through a lovingly detailed account of its structure. The truly inspired perfection of his masterly conducting ensured that he achieved this aim. The films of his Bruckner 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.

Altogether, TDK will release 8 DVDs of Günter Wands legacy to Bruckner interpretation in the 21st century and to the success of the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival. The DVDs also offer a rare occasion to grasp the atmosphere of his collaboration with the NDR Sinfonieorchester in a filmed concert. The DVDs come in two attractive boxes, each containing 4 DVDs.

This first box includes Bruckner symphonies nos. 5, 6 and 8 in their original or restored versions as well as an elegant, but rarely performed Haydn Symphony and the "Unfinished" symphonies by Bruckner and Schubert. Later this year, TDK will release the second box of 4 DVDs including the popular Bruckner Symphonies Nos. 4 and 7 and symphonic works by Brahms and Schubert.