Death laid its hand on Anton Bruckner as he laboured over the incomplete last movement of his final symphony. But as life was leaving Bruckner, vision and faith were only strengthening in him.

Even in its incompleteness, Bruckner鈥檚 Ninth carries with it an inspiring optimism in the face of death. 鈥楢rt had its beginning in God,鈥� believed Bruckner, 鈥榓nd so it must lead back to God.鈥� Appropriate sentiments given it is preceded by Bach鈥檚 cantata of resignation and acceptance 鈥業ch habe genug鈥� from the thrilling bass-baritone of Christian Gerhaher.