Wenn es Bruckner sein muß, dann bitte er um die 5. statt der 7. Symphonie [tatsächlich dann am 30.1.1903 die 4. Symphonie] (*).

 

Besprechung des Konzerts vom 12./13.12.1902 mit der 2. Symphonie in The Philadelphia Inquirer Nr. 167 auf S. 13:
"                      THE MUSICAL SEASON
[...]
     The Philadelphia Orchestra was heard twice at the Academy of Music last week, at the public rehearsal on Friday afternoon and the concert last evening. On these occasions the concert was almost identical. Friday's program consisted of Bruchner's [sic] Symphony No. 2, in C minor; of a "Little Suite" by Borodin, the Russian composer, and of Goldmark's brilliant and beautiful overture, "Sakuntula." [... Gabrilowitsch mit Chopin ...].

     It will be observed that these selections include two compositions which are absolute novelties in this city. Neither the Bruchner symphony nor the Borodin suite had been heard here before, and while the latter, although dainty, graphic, graceful and melodious, is not a work of serious importance, the Bruchner symphony is music which would be pleasant and profitable to hear again.

     This score is not of a kind which can be fully appreciated at once. It needs to be studied and the better it were known the more it would be enjoyed. The scherzo and the finale differ from the the preceding andante and moderato in the simplicity of their structure and in the obvious nature of the themes upon which they are based, but both the first movements are complicated to a degree which sometimes produces a sense of obscurity, and familiarity with their contents is essential to their due enjoyment. The symphony was lucidly and eloquently interpreted with a fine clearness of exposition and a satisfying symmetry of statement and of balance. The "Little Suite" of Borodin [...]

     [... Gabrilowitsch mit Chopin ...].

     Borodin's "Little Suite," was left off the program last night." (**).