Entry of the theme

This is the first exposition of the very famous theme of the Adagio, which starts with a brass and string introduction, then with tutti chords, which will go on to be rhythmically and harmonically modulated throughout the work but which will constitute a recurring leitmotif in the movement.

Announcement of the second theme and second theme proper

This excerpt introduces a second theme to the movement, which is more rhythmical, more dynamic and signals a complete change of atmosphere. The two versions present it in completely different ways.

The theme in the major, hope

This is a short, rather sombre introduction leading to a new theme in the major, which is less painful than the rest of the movement and therefore allows for new elements of orchestral interpretation.

The return of the first theme

This excerpt brings, after a passage of transition, the return of the first theme of the movement, which contains the introductory part and the initial chords. It is therefore interesting to note the differences (or lack thereof) of execution compared to the beginning of the movement.

The tutti chords

In this section one needs to pay attention to the introduction to the strings, which, depending on the interpretation, is more or less dynamic. A modulation of the theme of the chords follows, between different sections of the orchestra, then in tutti: this moment constitutes one of the climaxes of the movement.

Sweetness and hope

This excerpt is very different from the chordal passage and brings a much sweeter and calmer theme, which has a very different atmosphere in the two interpretations.

The climactic tutti

Excerpt no. 7 presents the climactic element of the movement. This brings in all sections in ff with a very dynamic theme, which Furtwängler does not conduct in the same way in the two chosen versions.

The “painful meditation”

Two themes follow each other in this excerpt in a rather sad atmosphere: the first is taken by the brass, the second by the strings and woodwinds.

Epilogue

The chosen excerpt brings to an end the Adagio of Bruckner’s Symphony n°7, with the brass holding the melody and the strings accompanying the concluding development, which ends with a modulation of chords in the major key.