On Gramophone March 2025, Christian Hoskins reviews a remarkable addition to the Bruckner symphonic discography: a complete cycle recorded by the China NCPA Orchestra under the baton of its Principal Conductor, Jia Lü. This ambitious project places the Beijing-based ensemble in the distinguished company of past East Asian interpretations of Bruckner, following the celebrated recordings of Takashi Asahina in Japan and Hun-Joung Lim in South Korea.

The review highlights the distinctive nature of Lü’s approach, noting his use of the final editions of Symphonies Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 8, as well as the second version of No. 4. The First Symphony, captured live, emerges as a particular highlight, though some interpretative choices—such as an unmarked crescendo in the Adagio—invite discussion. While the Second Symphony is marred slightly by audience noise, the remaining symphonies benefit from controlled studio recordings.

A defining characteristic of this cycle is Lü’s notably slow tempos, especially in the Eighth Symphony, which stretches to an expansive 100 minutes. Hoskins draws comparisons to the legendary recordings of Sergiu Celibidache and his pupil Rémy Ballot, ultimately finding Lü’s interpretations more persuasive in several cases. The Seventh Symphony, in particular, is praised for its sustained and moving Adagio, while the Ninth Symphony reaches a powerful climax under Lü’s careful guidance.

While some performances reveal inconsistencies in dynamic execution—such as the sometimes underplayed accents in the Fourth Symphony—the expressive and refined playing of the NCPA Orchestra stands out. The recording quality, though occasionally affected by a reverberant acoustic, is described as warm and well-balanced.

This cycle, now widely available on streaming platforms and through select physical releases, represents a significant milestone in the international recognition of China’s orchestral achievements. For those exploring Lü’s interpretations, Gramophone recommends beginning with the performances of the First, Sixth, and Seventh Symphonies.