The Hallé – Bruckner’s Ninth Symphony

Kahchun Wong conductor

Bruckner Symphony No.9
Four movement version with fourth movement revised by Dr John A Phillips

Enigmatic and unfinished, Bruckner’s Ninth Symphony combines the unshakeable faith and creeping doubt of a composer reaching the end of his life.

Bruckner said of his final symphony, ‘And now I dedicate my last work to the majesty of all the majesties, the beloved God, and hope that he will give me so much time to complete the same.’ For all Bruckner began composing his Ninth Symphony almost a decade before his death, sadly it was ultimately left unfinished, interrupted by the reworking of nearly all his previous symphonies.

Most performances of the piece today are of Bruckner’s completed three movements. Tonight we will present a four movement version with the reconstructed fourth movement by Bruckner specialist Dr John Phillips. Kahchun believes this to be the most comprehensive approach and truest to Bruckner’s vision.