Bruckner Symphony No. 7 has no cymbal clash?

I once introduced the hardship of percussion instrument players and wrote that Bruckner used the cymbal clash at the climax of the second movement of Symphony No. 7. Technically speaking, that is not true as there is no cymbal clash in “certain” performances.

This movement starts solemnly and slowly reaches the climax with the help of cymbals, triangle, timpani, creating an impressive moment. However, you might be disappointed if you go to the concert to hear such impressive inclusions of percussion instruments as you would soon find out that they are omitted from the performance.

This is because his symphony has multiple versions. Musicians of his time complained to him by saying that symphony No. 7 was difficult to play and certain parts were not impressive enough. Bruckner revised the music continuously. He even told musicians that he did not mind for them to change the symphony if professional players wanted to change the part for their performances.

After all, he died and many versions of the symphony remained as time went by. No one knows which version was written by Bruckner now. In the 19th century, Robert Haas, Leopold Nowak and other musicologists began to write ‘standard’ scores based on their studies.

Legend has it that Bruckner wrote the cymbal clash upon hearing the news that the admirable and respectful Wagner had died. Opponents argue that the percussion should be omitted as Bruckner inserted mismatching sounds with an advice of conductor Arthur Nikisch. Which one would be correct? The answer is yours.

At the Seoul Arts Center on Oct. 26-27, the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra of Germany will play Symphony No. 8 in B minor of Schubert, which is commonly known as the Unfinished Symphony and Bruckner Symphony No. 7 (Nowak Edition with the percussion inclusion) and the honorary conductor Herbert Blomstedt will appear as a guest conductor.

유윤종 기자gustav@donga.com