Bruckner: Symphony No7

BBC Scottish SO/ Donald RunniclesHyperion CDA 67916 ****

On the evidence of this recording, Donald Runnicles is a persuasive and pleasingly unidiosyncratic Brucknerian, a sure-footed guide who keeps his eye on the ultimate destination as well as the issues of the current moment.

Some listeners may find the apparent neutrality of Runnicles’s manner a little too plain, but there’s spiritual mystery in his approach as well as ruggedness, and the music-making is consistently natural sounding. And you don’t have to leave Scotland for a looser, more personal approach – you’ll get it from Georg Tintner with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra on Naxos.

For those who need to know, Runnicles includes the famous cymbal clash in the slow movement. url.ie/4qdb