Bruckner: Symphony No 7 in E

Hyperion is delighted to present Donald Runnicles, chief conductor of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, in his debut on the label. Runnicles commands his orchestra in Bruckner's most popular symphony-repertoire that is at the heart of his musical life, and in which he has few living equals. Recent concerts of the works of Bruckner and Wagner have received the highest critical praise, acknowledging the orchestra and their conductor as consummate performers of this music.

'For an orchestra who hadn't played Bruckner 7 since 1975, the BBCSSO sounded utterly on home territory. From the sumptuous opening cello theme to the finale's noble fanfares, this was a spacious, tender and beautifully poised performance … it's not often you hear cries of "encore" after a Bruckner symphony, but I would gladly have heard this one repeated in full' (The Guardian)

"Runnicles's debut recording for Hyperion is a very impressive achievement. He has established a strong rapport with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, inspiring them to deliver playing of great refinement and emulating the burnished tones that are more often associated with Central European orchestras...Highly recommended." BBC Music Five Stars - Orchestral Choice January 2013