Few conductors have made a greater contribution to our present day understanding of Anton Bruckner than Günter Wand (1912–2002).

Wand believed that the greatness of Bruckner’s music could only be grasped through a lovingly detailed account of its structure. This recording of Bruckner’s Symphony No.5 from the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival 1998 bears witness to this artistic credo category and can truly be regarded as a part of Günter Wand’s legacy to 'his' orchestra for almost 20 years, the NDR Sinfonieorchester.

During the great final phase of his career, Wand devoted himself increasingly to Bruckner’s works and his interpretations became more and more free, revealing both heartfelt emotion and musical intelligence. He developed a trademark fidelity towards Bruckner, which led to insightful readings of his works. Wherever possible, Wand returned to the versions representing most clearly the composer’s intentions – be it the 'Urtext' or scrupulously restored versions.

In 1987, the members of the NDR Sinfonieorchester elected Günter Wand as their Conductor Emeritus for Life. When he died in 2002, the whole of the musical world revered him as the last great conductor of his generation and as a Brucknerian of uniquely commanding stature.

Live recording from the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival 1998.

Sound Format: PCM Stereo
Picture Format: 4:3
DVD Format: DVD 5 / NTSC
Running Time: 82 mins
FSK: 0
Region Code: 0
Worldwide available