Quintessential Classics: April 3rd, 2026

Many of classical music's most renowned symphonists famously died after writing their ninth symphony (Beethoven, Schubert, Dvořák, etc.), a phenomenon commonly called the "Curse of the Ninth," and Anton Bruckner was no exception. In fact, he actually died before he fully completed his Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, only finishing the first three movements. However, the unfinished symphony works beautifully as it is, possessing a sense of true finality. This magnificent symphony, while in many ways representing the apotheosis of late-19th century German Romanticism, was also truly ahead of its time, with the second movement in particular sounding almost like Stravinsky with its sharp rhythmic bite and intensity. The Berlin Philharmonic and Herbert von Karajan produce a stirring performance, filled with soaring strings and triumphant brass.