Why the reconstructed finale of the Bruckner Ninth works

[calyptorhynchus]

I have written an essay on this topic, which may interest people:

http://www.mediafire.com/view/a899bg9g47sjtbz/Why_the_Reconstructed_Finale_of_the_Ninth_Works.pdf

Any comments or criticisms welcome!

[Dundonnell]

I think that you deserve a response...even if that response is as brief and as totally superficial as mine will be.

I do not have your very obvious "technical" musical knowledge although I can acknowledge much of what you are saying.

In essence I agree with you and I think that your essay makes many excellent points.

I was very sceptical about the reconstructed finale. I had grown up and lived with the three movement version for so long that the conclusion of the third movement seemed at the very least apposite. When I finally gave in and listened to Simon Rattle's talk and to the Berlin PO's performance of the fourth movement I was converted. That does not mean that I can no longer listen to the three movement version. I do not feel that I "need" the finale but I do agree with you that "it works", that it is valid and that, as an alternative, it is worth listening to.

This may be a case of having one's cake and eating it....but so be it.

Thank you for sharing an insightful piece which helps a lot in understanding the place that the finale can have for the listener.

[calyptorhynchus]

My technical knowledge =

1. 1 "O" Level Music, grade B
2. Grade 5 piano

 :)

Thanks for your response Colin.

[Gauk]

I have to say that I am quite converted to the finale. It is what Bruckner intended. I have a feeling that all the pleading about "just three movements are perfect" really amounts to a case of sour grapes.