Curiosity: that is what brought internationally acclaimed conductor Pablo Heras-Casado and Anima Eterna Brugge together for an exciting long-term collaboration. Bruckner’s symphonies, unexplored territory for both partners, are a dream challenge. Can we demolish Bruckner’s great ‘cathedrals of sound’, stone by stone, and then rebuild them with the sound of historical instruments? Can we make Bruckner’s music ‘speak’ again in the musical language that he himself spoke?
The further we venture out of our comfort zone, the better. Let’s open our ears together with this project. It is an adventure and a challenge, certainly. But at the same time, it can also be truly groundbreaking. Let’s do this! – Heras-Casado during the first meeting with the Anima-musicians.
The researchers-musicians of Anima Eterna provided new insights, searched for suitable and playable instruments and investigated the playing techniques of Bruckner’s time. Pablo Heras-Casado turns all this into fiery artistic experimentation. The result can be heard during an extensive European tour that starts in mid-August and ends in September in the Concertgebouw Brugge.
Bruckner created a totally new world, but he did so with old material. He trusted that the performers of his time would recognise that old way of speaking and give the right direction to his lines.’ – Heras-Casado
How exactly will this ‘new’ Bruckner sound? In any case, it will be different from anything else. Thanks to a set of four beautiful, historic Wagnertuben, for example: found after a long search by the company Alexander in Mainz. Or thanks to the historic valved F trumpet: a subtle instrument that stays far away from the classical muscle in Bruckner’s brass section. Thanks to an orchestral set-up that puts the woodwind in the spotlight, they too can hear all the nuances of Bruckner’s score. And thanks to the transparent ‘speaking’ playing of the strings: the merit of orchestra leader Helena Druwé.
Discover Bruckner 7 with Pablo Heras-Casado here.
