The Fragmentary Furtwangler Wartime Symphonies

In 1941, when the Third Reich was still in its ascendancy, Wilhelm Furtwaengler was actively conducting the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra for German audiences. While these live performances were not recorded in their entirety, they do provide us with the earliest examples of Furtwaengler's Bruckner and they provide an example of his interpretations when he was at the peak of his abilities. The sound quality of these recordings do not match the quality of other recordings from this time and place, but they provide an important sound document for anyone interested in Bruckner's music and Furtwaengler's interpretations.
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DISC # 1
ANTON BRUCKNER: Symphony No. 4 in E Flat Major (61'20")

1) Bewegt nicht zu schnell (16'33")
2) Andante quasi Allegretto (17'40")
3) Scherzo. Bewegt - Trio. Nicht zu schnell ( 8'51")
4) Finale. Bewegt, doch nicht zu schnell (18'10")

Recording Date: December 14~16, 1941

DISC # 2
ANTON BRUCKNER: Symphony No. 7 in E Major (30'06")

1) Allegro moderato ( 4'18")
2) Adagio. Sehr feierlich und sehr langsam (17'24")
3) Scherzo. Sehr schnell ( 8'17")

Recording Date: February 2~4, 1941
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-Wilhelm Furtwängler (1886-1954)
-Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

Source: RRG Transcriptions
Recording Location: Berlin, Germany