The World Philharmonic Orchestra is currently regarded as one of the world's most remarkable ensembles. Founded by the United Nations and the United Nations Children's Fund, it brings together soloists from leading orchestras on all continents. Once a year, the instrumentalists come together to set an example for peaceful cooperation between different nationalities with their top-class performances.
This recording captures the festive opening concert from 1985. Carlo Maria Giulini, one of the leading Bruckner interpreters and described by Sir Simon Rattle as "the last great one", chose Symphony No. 8, a work that occupies an exceptional position due to its extraordinary dimensions alone: over 80 minutes of playing time and a large orchestral ensemble with eight horns, four tubas, three trumpets, three trombones, double bass tuba and harps.
"This symphony is the creation of a giant", wrote the composer Hugo Wolf, who was present at the Viennese premiere on December 18, 1892, "and it surpasses all of the master's other symphonies in spiritual dimension, fruitfulness and grandeur".