© Kaupo Kikkas
Friday, January 16, 2026
Isarphilharmonie, Munich
Paavo Järvi may well look skywards given this magnificent Bruckner Four, which surely reached Heaven and in turn delighted the devout composer. This programme had been played last night at this address, and before that in Gran Canaria, Järvi replacing Gustavo Dudamel on each occasion, repertoire unchanged.
As before, Mozart 38 (K504) opened proceedings – precisely balanced chords, rattling timpani, an Adagio introduction that was more Allegretto, a contrapuntal bassoon in relief, and a speedy if articulate exposition – lithe, repeated – winds the equal of strings, the development and recapitulation seamless without becoming metronomic, expressive shaping to the fore, so too in the flowing Andante that retained its soulfulness, and a Finale (there’s no Minuet) that proportionally wasn’t the fastest movement – although it’s marked Presto – rather it bubbled joyously, comic-opera characters paraded, bassoon again a standout, and also enjoyed the second-half repeat being observed; listening pleasure extended.
Following the interval, Bruckner’s self-named ‘Romantic’ Fourth Symphony (standard edition, 1878/81). From Järvi it wasn’t the monumental travelogue it can be, or indicative of Robert Simpson’s adagio leaning for the Finale (maybe not even Celibidache, also Munich, met Simpson’s suggestion). However, as Järvi-led, this Bruckner Four was powerfully communicative and incident-packed, always with a sense of command, cued by rustling strings just above the threshold of inaudibility, a lyrical horn solo setting the scene of fields, forests and mountains, outdoors music swept along until the nighttime vigil of the second movement introduced solemn tread and dulcet tones, a spacious religioso evocation, monks in file, illuminating firewood in hand, following which the Scherzo had brassy swagger, the Trio pastoral gentleness. The Finale journeyed with direction, detour and wonderment, awe of the highest peaks evidenced, but climbed they must be … so, from the depths, Järvi and the Bavarians did just that, and ended being on top of the World. To silence, then a cheering ovation.
Wonderful playing, superb sound.
This coming Sunday morning, also at the Isarphilharmonie, Paavo Järvi conducts the BRSO in another geographical Symphony by Mozart (31/’Paris’) and an exalted C-major Symphony by Schubert – a great one if numerically schizophrenic – which also reigned in Spain. Not live this time if presumably being recorded for future broadcast.