Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra

Parsifal, Wagner’s final opera, is a majestic work that reaches heavenly heights in its spiritually transcendent third act. Wagner was Bruckner’s idol, and the sweeping breadth and tonal language of the older composer inspired much of his music. At the time of his death, Bruckner had only completed three movements of his Ninth Symphony, but what he left is compelling and deeply touching. His symphony ascends from a musical primordial haze to a finale that explores new harmonies and peace in its quiet closing benediction.