Symphony No.8 in C minor

Giulini's haunting interpretations of Bruckner with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra still linger in the memory. On 11 and 12 February 1984 he conducted his Symphony No.8. According to Klaus Geitel (Berliner Morgenpost on 14 February), Giulini's artistry was characterised by his integrity. "Giulini calmly stands back from the work that he conducts. Not for a single moment does he appear to be important, and even less does he appear selfimportant. All his concentration is focused on the colossal work, seemingly enveloping it… The outcome was a rendering of the Eighth Symphony full of grandeur: melodious and delighting in the details, from the plaintive calls of the oboes and clarinets in the first movement to the radiant, thunderous brass of the Finale. "The dark, mysterious aspects of the symphonic complexes recede, particularly in the first movement. All the lyrical passages display a more positive sound than usual, the solemn radiance of the brass symbolising the victory of the celestial powers over the demons. The Scherzo is imbued with elemental rhythmical vehemence, the Trio contrasts with its heartfelt, songlike melody. The overall impression was that the Adagio was interpreted as a psalm, full of passionate, devotional mysticism and renunciation of the world." Thus Walter Kaempfer's review on 14 February in Der Tagesspiegel, in which he compared Giulini's interpretation to those of Furtwängler, Eugen Jochum and Karajan. "His warm, pulsating rendering, with all details clearly articulated, was supported by the Philharmonic Orchestra playing at full tilt, with melodious string sound and the solemn pomp of the brass instruments." From the booklet note by Helge Grünewald.