Given the benefit of the doubt, and considering his ability to master steep learning curves (as proven in Wagner), there is plenty of reason to be confident that well before 2020, the end of his initial contract, he’ll deliver a Bruckner Seventh where the intermediate climaxes don’t tread on the larger structure, where the clerical ammunition hasn’t been all spent after the first movement, where the sections of the orchestra enter with greater precision. But already present were touches of fine color and some very lovely pianissimo playing—and if “superficial” and “loud” might still have accurately described aspects of this performance, at least “garishness” was nowhere to be heard.