The Symphony No. 2 has all the hallmarks of Bruckner's later symphonies. After the brilliant and aggressive 1st Symphony, the 2nd is a calmer and more introverted work. It introduces the mysterious string tremolos with their shimmering harmonic changes gliding above the melody, the heroic yet lonely main themes and the blazing flourishes which we hear in later symphonies. The 2nd Symphony also retains and carries forward the rustic scherzo and powerful, large scale finale which Bruckner was to grapple with for years to come. There are moments of great melodic eloquence in this music, particularly in the first and second movements. Yet, not counting the interesting "No. 0", Bruckner's 2nd is the least heard of the symphonies numbered 1 through 9. This performance by Orchestre de la Suisse Romande conducted by Marek Janowski, brings this contemplative lovely score into the light.
