In Nature's Realm Overture / Carnival Overture

1. In Nature's Realm (V prírode), concert overture, B. 168 (Op. 91)
Composed by Antonin Dvorak
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by John Farrer

2. Carnival (Karneval), concert overture, B. 169 (Op. 92)
Composed by Antonin Dvorak
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by John Farrer

3. Othello, concert overture, B. 174 (Op. 93)
Composed by Antonin Dvorak
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by John Farrer

4. Symphonic Variations for orchestra (on "I am a Fiddler" B. 66/3), B. 70 (Op. 78)
Composed by Antonin Dvorak
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by John Farrer

5. Scherzo capriccioso for orchestra, B. 131 (Op. 66)
Composed by Antonin Dvorak
Performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by John Farrer

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 In C Minor 'Zlonicke zvony': I: Allegro
Symphony No. 1 In C Minor 'Zlonicke zvony': II: Adagio molto
Symphony No. 1 In C Minor 'Zlonicke zvony': III: Allegretto
Symphony No. 1 In C Minor 'Zlonicke zvony': IV: Finale - Allegro animato
Symphony No. 2 In B Flat Major, Op. 4: Allegro con molto

Tracks:

Symphony No. 2: II: Poco adagio
Symphony No. 2: III: Scherzo: Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 2: IV: Finale: Allegro con fuoco
Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 10: I: Allegro moderato
Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 10: II: Adagio molto
Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 10: III: Finale: Allegro vivace

Tracks:

Symphony No. 4 In D minor, Op. 13: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 4 In D minor, Op. 13: II. Andante sostenuto e molto cantabile
Symphony No. 4 In D minor, Op. 13: III. Allegro feroce
Symphony No. 4 In D minor, Op. 13: IV. Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 5 In F Major, Op. 76 (Beginning): I. Allegro ma non troppo
Symphony No. 5 In F Major, Op. 76 (Beginning): II. Andante con moto
Symphony No. 5 In F Major, Op. 76 (Beginning): III. Scherzo: Allegro scherzando

Tracks:

Symphony No. 5 (Conclusion): IV. Finale: Allegro molto
Symphony No. 6 In D Major, Op. 60: I. Allegro non tanto
Symphony No. 6 In D Major, Op. 60: II. Adagio
Symphony No. 6 In D Major, Op. 60: III. Scherzo (Furiant): Presto
Symphony No. 6 In D Major, Op. 60: IV. Finale: Allegro con spirito
'V prirode', Op. 91: In Nature's Realm

Tracks:

Symphony No. 7 In D Minor, Op. 70: I. Allegro maestoso
Symphony No. 7 In D Minor, Op. 70: II. Poco adagio
Symphony No. 7 In D Minor, Op. 70: III. Scherzo: Vivace - poco meno mosso
Symphony No. 7 In D Minor, Op. 70: IV. Allegro
Symphony No. 8 In G Major, Op. 88: I. Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 8 In G Major, Op. 88: II. Adagio
Symphony No. 8 In G Major, Op. 88: III. Allegretto grazioso
Symphony No. 8 In G Major, Op. 88: IV. Allegro ma non troppo

Tracks:

Symphony No. 9 In E Minor, Op. 95 'Z Noveho sveta': I. Adagio - Allegro molto
Symphony No. 9 In E Minor, Op. 95 'Z Noveho sveta': II. Largo
Symphony No. 9 In E Minor, Op. 95 'Z Noveho sveta': III. Molto vivace
Symphony No. 9 In E Minor, Op. 95 'Z Noveho sveta': IV. Allegro con fuoco
'Karneval' Overture, Op. 92
Scherzo capriccioso, Op. 66
'Domov muj' Overture, Op. 62

Amazon.com essential recording

For decades, there were only three complete collections of Dvorák's symphonies: this one; Rowicki's with the same orchestra; and Kubelik's with the Berlin Philharmonic. Kertész offers the most rustic, gutsy interpretations of all. Famous for his dislike of rehearsals, he allows the London Symphony to make a much rougher sound than his colleagues tolerate, and though not the last word in polish, the results have a spontaneous charm that's pretty hard to resist. More to the point, Dvorák's early symphonies (Nos. 1 to 5) remain sadly neglected, and each one of them is full of gorgeous tunes cloaked in mellifluous orchestration. At budget price, this set now costs less than it did on LP in the 1960s. How can you do better than that? --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Heartfelt, passionate versions.......2007-06-23

The late Istvan Kertesz continues to amaze, with this spectacular reissue of his 1960s Dvorak symphonies cycle. These versions each compare well with or exceed the legendary recordings by Ancerl, Szell, Talich, et al. Sound quality is excellent, and the mix on the orchestra is almost always just right, balancing strings, brass, and percussion. Compared to some Czech recordings, the woodwinds volumes are a bit weak, which is unfortunate because woodwinds are one of Dvorak's specialties. If you have no other set of Dvorak symphonies, or have 10 copies of "From the New World" and no copies of Symphonies 1, 2 or 3, then this is a must-have set. From the opening bars of Symphony No. 1, you'll agree you're in the presence of greatness.

Great Recording.......2007-06-03

Friends and CD-guides told me this was the best. And they were right.

Great set of music!.......2007-05-24

Along with Piotr Tchaikovsky, Antonin Dvorak was probably the most prolific composer of the Romance period. He composed for just about every genre of classical music except ballet, and is known for a wide variety of works. Some of his most famous are his symphonies. He wrote 9, out of respect for Beethoven, and like the German master, the last one is the most widely recognized. But like Beethoven, all 9 symphonies are incredible pieces of music in their own right. This set has all 9 symphonies, along with several other popular orchestral works. The sound quality is good, the orchestration is great, and the choice of music is great. All the pieces are dramatic, with melodies that range from powerful to awe-inspiring to melancholy. Every piece of music in this set is purely in the Romantic style; full of emotion, and many are inspired by folk tunes from Eastern Europe. All in all, a great set, and for a great price.

Kertesz or Kubelik in the Dvorak symphonies?.......2006-05-03

Although decades old, the two analog sets of Dvorak symphonies from Kertesz and Kubelik remain the front-runnters. From the mid-Sixties onward Decca has been so satisfied with the groundbreaking Kertesz cycle, the first to bring Sym. 1-6 to the general listening public outisde Czechoslovakia, that the company has rarely re-recorded any but the last three, most famous symphonies. DG, on the other hand, didn't release Kubelik's Sym. 1-6 until the digital era (1988, I believe), keeping them in the vualts and out of competiiton with Kertesz.

Now both sets are offered at basically the same price on 6 mid-line discs, with deep discounts on the used market. The difference between the two is quite marked musically, however. Kertesz comunicates the thrill of discovery in the early symphhonies. Amazingly, he had never conducted them before, and their vibrancy and inner life lift my spirits every time I hear them. The LSO didn't know these pieces, either, but play with rousing commitment and vivacity.

By comparison, Kubelik sounds rather correct and staid. He often chooses marginally slower tempos, and his enthusiasm for letting the dance rhytyms become exciting is limited. The Berlin Phil. seems not to catch on to the Slavonic folk idiom, which gets played far too straight (Dvorak had the same problem with Greman orchestras in his lifetime and was only accepted in Vienna and Berlin at first as a kind of naive, folk-flavored Brahms). As to sonics, the Decca set holds up well, being a bit bright at times but otherwise detailed and forward. DG, unforunately, gave Kubelik's later symphonies (#7-9) harsh, glaring sound that makes his readings sound brash; there's an unpleasant sting to the sound at higher volumes. This problem seems less in the earlier symphonies (the cycle was recorded over a longer period than Kertesz's and thus has more variable sound). I do not know if the current re-issue also includes remastering.

It's regrettable that in the interest of economics Decca has cut out several of Kertesz's most interesting fillers, such as the Hussite Over., though they can be found on other CDs from him. We get the Carnival Over. on both sets, after which Kertesz gives us the "My Homeland" and "In Nature's Realm" Over., while Kubelik offers the Scerzo capriccioso and The Wild Dove tone poem, both performed by his Bavarian State Orchestra rather than the Berliners.

As msut be obvious by now, I don't feel the two sets are competitive artistically. Kubelik was a major conductor and dedicated to Dvorak, but his best work isn't here. Kertesz, though not native born to the composer as Kubelik was, found a special affinity for Dvorak, and his cycle is one of the small miracles of Sixties recording. Perhaps not so minor considering that no one has bettered him in the early symphonies for forty years.

Amazing performances.......2005-03-28

This orchestra really has a rich, powerful sound, but can still give deep emotional sounds, all of which are needed to perform Dvorak. I doubt one can find finer performances of these symphonies, and the other works included in the set are very well chosen. The performances of each symphony are incredible, the sound quality is very good, and as I said before, the orchestra is wonderful. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

breakdown by cd.
I'm not a music expert

Dvorák: The Masterworks [Box Set]

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set]
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Brahms: The Masterworks (Box Set)
Schubert: The Masterworks [Box Set]

ASIN: B00062FLJW
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

breakdown by cd........2007-01-14

CD1-7:SYMPHONIES 1-9

CD8:PIANO CONCERTO

CD9:VIOLIN CONCERTO & CELLO CONCERTO

CD10-11:REQUIEM

CD12-13:STABAT MATER

CD14:PIANO TRIOS OP.90 "DUMKY" & 21

CD15:PIANO TRIOS OP.65 & 26

CD16:PIANO QUARTETS

CD17:PIANO QUINTETS

CD18:STRING QUINTETS

CD19-20:MUSIC FOR VIOLIN AND PIANO

C21:SERENADE/HAUSMUSIK

CD22-31:THE COMPLETE STRING QUARTETS

CD32:SLAVONIC DANCES OP.46 & 72

CD33:PIANO DUET SLAVONIC DANCES

CD34:PIANO DUET LEGENDS FROM THE BOHEMIAN FOREST

CD35:PIANO WORKS

CD36-37:RUSALKA

CD38-40:SYMPHONIC POEMS

I'm not a music expert.......2005-08-25

I don't know too much about music. I own over 700 cds, but I don't play music and I don't have much experience with this music. My only point of reference was the ninth symphony, seeing as every other piece in this box set was new to me. It sounds fine, nothing wrong with it as far as I can see.

Now, here's what you'll get in this box set, seeing as Amazon does not give it a description. 40 cds! no joke, you get 40 cds in this box set. It features:
1. Complete symphonies
2. Complete symphonic poems
3. Cello concerto
4. Piano concerto
5. Violin concerto
6. Requiem
7. Stabat Mater
8. Slavonic Dances
9. Complete String quartets
10. Chamber music
11. Piano Works (solo and duet)
12. Rusalka

As far as I can tell, the only things missing are The Spectre's Bride and Jacobin. Seeing as it is 40 cds, i have not had an opportunity to listen to it, however what i have heard i have been quite satisfied with.

Dvorák: Symphonies Nos. 1-9; In Nature; Serenade for Winds; Serenade for Strings, etc.

Average customer rating:

Great value!

Dvorák: Symphonies Nos. 1-9; In Nature; Serenade for Winds; Serenade for Strings, etc.

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Schubert: Symphonies Nos. 1-6, 8 & 9
Wiener Musik

ASIN: B000A6T2KI
Release Date: 2005-09-06

Customer Reviews:

Great value!.......2007-06-01

I think this 7 cd set is totally worth the low price.
I can't find any review of this set of CDs online, so I did some research after I bought it.
It is the first CD release of Sir Andrew Davis's complete Dvorak's symphonies.
These recordings were made between 1978-1982 by CBS. (ADD/DDD)
SONY DSD remaster eliminated most of the early digital sound problems.
PO players produced warm and dramatic sounds.
The still young Andrew Davis did a great job adding his personal reading of the scores. I like his slower tempo treatment of Symphony No. 9.
Symphony no.1,3 and the Carnival overture are also great.
Only down side is the linear notes is too short, and lack of detail.
Dvorak's music always bring me the love for life. I hope you will enjoy it too.

The Most Uplifting Classics in the Universe

Average customer rating:

The Most Uplifting Classics in the Universe

Manufacturer: Denon Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Sextets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Most Inspiring Classics in the Universe
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Classical Blast

ASIN: B0002JUX9C
Release Date: 2004-08-17

Tracks:

Handel - Water Music, III.
Mozart - Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, I. Allegro
Mendelssohn - Violin Concerto, III. Allegro Molto Vivace
Beethoven - Symphony No. 5, IV. Allegro
Dvorak - "In Nature's Realm" Overture
Holst - The Planets, Jupiter, Bringer of Jollity
Mozart - Piano Sonata NO. 11, III. Alla Turca - Allegretto
Vivaldi - The Four Seasons, Spring, I. Allegro
Tchaikovsky - Symphony No. 4, II. Andantino in mode de Canzona
Dukas - Fanfare preceding "La Peri"
Mozart - Piano Sonata NO. 16, I. Allegro
Saint-Saens - Carnival of the Animals, XIII. The Swan

Tracks:

Bruckner - Symphony No. 4 "Romantic", First Movement
Mozart - Symphony No. 39, IV. Allegro
Handel - Water Music, XII. Alla Hornpipe
Strauss - Ein Heldenleben, 1. The Hero
Tchaikovsky - Symphony NO. 5 "Pathetique", II. Allegro con grazia
Dvorak - Symphony No. 8, I. Allegro con brio
Beethoven - Sextet, III. Rondo - Allegro
Bach - Orchestral Suite No. 1, III. Gavotte
Mozart - Flute Concerto in 2, I. Allegro aperto

Slavonic Dances / Overtures & Symphonic Poems

Average customer rating:

Bohemian American Variegated Sounds
Not played with total conviction
The stuff is almost 30 years old
One of Dvorakýs finest recordings
a basic recommendation and a real bargain

Slavonic Dances / Overtures & Symphonic Poems
Dvorak , Brs , and Kubelik
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000065TV2
Release Date: 2002-06-11

Customer Reviews:

Bohemian American Variegated Sounds.......2004-04-15

Marvelous three-disc set of Dvorak's patriotic, overture and symphonic poems and variations at an affordable price with satisfactory recording quality which has been freshly transferred to CD form.

His Slavonic roots seem to leap out of this music in the Slavonic Dances, which are played here with robusto and eubilence by the Kubelik led Bavarian Radio Symphony.

This pious man who said that "he studied with the birds, flowers, God and myself" exerts in this collection a humility yet assertive control of his music, showing tranquility and robust outbursts of joy. The Hussite Overture was of real interest to this reviewer as not only is it passionately played as am quite of fan of this Bavarian reformer who truly was inspirational and foundational to Luther.

Their rendition of Carnival is electrifying and warm, especially the nature theme of the clarinets.

The Wood Dove is very much a mood swinger with is funeral dirge march catapulting into a marvelous love song and sweet violin solo.

Highly enjoyable recording.

Not played with total conviction.......2004-03-29

Although Kubelik's cycle of the symphonies on DG with the Berlin Philharmonic may be the best ever recorded, this set of Dances, Overtures, and Symphonic Poems is not as grand or as well conducted. What we find here is Kubelik just conducting the pieces rather than truly interpreting them. Although he does bring out some wonderful nuances in the score, highlighting some delightful orchestral effects, the overall feeling of the overtures and the poems is less than satisfying. The playing sounds lifeless and rather dull in the overtures and poems. Take Istvan Kertez's reading of the overtures or Neeme Jarvi's recording of the Symphonic Poems - both conductors are playing with total conviction. Here, Kubelik is simply performing the works.

The dances, however, are delightfully played and recorded. Kubelik seems to be having fun while performing these lighthearted dance pieces, and his energy is evident in the recording, the quality of which is quite good. Although for the overtures I suggest Kertez with the London Symphony Orchestra and Neeme Jarvi with the Scottish National Orchestra for the symphonic poems, this is a delightful set for the dances. Recommendable.

The stuff is almost 30 years old.......2004-02-13

Great performances but the dynamic range is dull. Okay on good equipment though. As others noted, the music and the performance are great.

One of Dvorakýs finest recordings.......2003-10-07

It is well known that Kubelik's performances of Dvorak's music are among the best ever. This set of CD's is a blessing, you get the famous Slavonic Dances among with the Symphonic Poems and Overtures all togehter, and with Kubelik!!!

This version of the Slavonic Dances is wonderfull. Actually, for me the only one that equals its quality is the Antal Dorati's with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on Decca, which, by the way, happens to have a better sound than Kubelik's. Regarding the Symphonic Poems and the Overtures, you just won't find a better recording than this one, not to mention the fact of having all this works together. The sound is good, and the performances are outstanding.

a basic recommendation and a real bargain.......2002-07-15

This 3CD collection should get the attention of those who like Dvorak's music because, in addition to his frequently recorded Slavonic Dances, it includes all of his concert overtures and tone poems, and also, the Symphonic Variations. These works, apart from the Carnival Overture, are not often recorded, but are nevertheless major works. Here you have this music in first class performances by one of the premiere interpreters of this music (i.e. Rafael Kubelik), in very fine sound, and offered at a superbudget price. If you want all or most of these pieces, but do not yet have them, this is really a no brainer. Get them!

Liszt - Les Préludes · Dvorak - Three Concert Overtures / The Philadelphia Orchestra · Sawallisch

Average customer rating:

Only for the best music systems
So-so performance, cold and dry recording
Moderately decent performances marred by poor acoustics
Moderately decent performances marred by poor acoustics
Great sound - Good performance

Liszt - Les Préludes · Dvorak - Three Concert Overtures / The Philadelphia Orchestra · Sawallisch
Franz Liszt , Antonin Dvorak , Wolfgang Sawallisch , The Philadelphia Orchestra , and Anton Dvorak
Manufacturer: Water Lily Acoustics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000JKFP
Release Date: 1999-07-27

Tracks:

Les Preludes, Symphonic Poem No. 3
Three Concert Overtures: In Nature's Realm, Op. 91
Three Concert Overtures: Carnival, Op. 92
Three Concert Overtures: Othello, Op. 93

Amazon.com

Audiophiles will rejoice upon hearing this disc, but it's a recording any lover of Dvorák (or Liszt) can appreciate. The Philadelphia Orchestra, under the skillful baton of Wolfgang Sawallisch, performs Liszt's Les Préludes to great effect, as well as Dvorák's three famous overtures. Recorded with an all-analog, all-tube recording setup (technology that hadn't been used on a major orchestra in 20 years), these are sonically balanced, memorable performances. In the liner notes, you can read all you want about the painstakingly intricate mic setup, but the fact is you'll feel like you're in attendance at the Academy of Music, albeit somewhere near the back. The well-mannered volume level isn't what we're used to in these days of bombast and deep low end, but the recording (and the playing) is first-rate and straightforward, with moderate tempi and an extremely natural sound. Proof positive that, with a little ingenuity, all those stateside orchestras dropped from major labels can still release excellent, world-class music. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Only for the best music systems.......2006-04-13

This groundbreaking Blumlein recording will only sound its best in true high-end music systems. It can indeed sound dry or uninvolving in most of today's mid-fi rigs, and even in the colored systems that pass for audiophile in many circles. Aside from the attractiveness of Sawallish's honest and enticing performance, this DVD was made for high-end DVD players that can output in full 24/96 high resolution. It is necessary to follow the instructions and listen in the nearfield for full effect. It has some of the most accurate reproduction of an orchestra ever captured.

So-so performance, cold and dry recording.......2002-01-18

Luckily I bought this disk used. Durng my first listen to the Liszt Preludes, I had to grab the cd insert to verify this was, in fact, the Philadelphia Orchestra. It was lifeless and dull; a tough thing to do with this schmaltzy but dynamic work. Even Karajan's sounds better. The first Dvorak overture was much better; quite a nicely done, but "Carnival" suffered from the recording method and in the "Othello ", the orchestra again seemed to fall asleep.

For music value, I'd give this disk 1 star. I gave it 2 stars because its an object lesson in the nonsense about the wonders of analogue recording and "return-to-nature" engineering that may prevent some from wasting money on similar recordings.

The producer makes much fuss about his tube equipment and two-mike set-up in the notes. While the Philadelphia Academy of Music has a reputation for sounding dry, this recording method made it sound utterly astringent. The strings were thin and weak, the lower registers had unnaturally rapid decay, and the orchestra sounded generally sterile, as if in an anechoic chamber. Play this disk, then play a cd from a vintage Decca or EMI orchestral recording, and your friends who proclaim the wonder of tube equipment will shut up...for a while anyway.

Lastly, I had trouble with this disk skipping, even though my cd player is pretty robust at reading anything I throw at it.

Moderately decent performances marred by poor acoustics.......2000-05-26

Sawallish's performances of the Dvorak Overtures and Les Preludes (Liszt) are decent enough - but the orchestra's playing is pedestrian and not focused. The acoustics are terrible with balance non-existant. Strings are weak, so much so that a single tambourine (in the Carnival Overture [12 measures before rehearsal letter "L"]) is able to blot them out completely. There is no virtue in a bottomless orchestra. Having conducted in The Academy of Music, I know, from performance experience, what is possible. This recording is interesting purely to demonstrate the limits of older technology. It is NOT to be recommended, either for the performances and certainly not for the recording. If you want examples of excellent recordings "the old way" you need to go back to the old Mercury series (Dorati, Paray, et al.) to see (i.e. hear) how it should be done.

Moderately decent performances marred by poor acoustics.......2000-05-26

Great sound - Good performance.......1999-10-24

I don't consider myself an audiophile, so the recording process is not something that usually interests me all that much. I was intrigued by the prospect of a new analog orchestral recording, though, so I purchased this disc, and I must say that the recorded sound is truly amazing, even if you don't have high-end stereo components on which to reproduce it. Having listened to run-of-the-mill digital recordings for so many years, it comes as somewhat of a shock to hear such warm realism coming from my speakers. As for the music, Sawallisch and the Philadelphians turn in a polished and vibrant (if not exactly earth-shattering) performance. This is fairly well-worn repertoire, and though the orchestra does inject some life into the proceedings, one wonders what the results would be if these musicians were recorded using this technology while performing music that they were actually excited about. Still, a highly-recommended disc for anyone who enjoys late-romantic orchestral fare.

Average customer rating:

Splendid Dvorak 9th Symphony From Ashkenazy, CPO
GOING HOME SLOW

Symphony 9 / 3 Overtures
Dvorak , Ashkenazy , and Czech Philharmonic
Manufacturer: Ondine
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000646FH
Release Date: 2002-06-25

Tracks:

Adagio - Allegro Molto
Largo
Scherzo: Molto Vivace
Allegro Con Fuoco

Tracks:

In Nature's Realm, Op. 91
Carnival, Op. 92
Othello, Op. 93

Customer Reviews:

Splendid Dvorak 9th Symphony From Ashkenazy, CPO.......2003-08-01

There's been a few great recordings issued of Dvorak's 9th Symphony in recent years, with highest honors going to those with Abbado and Harnoncourt conducting the Berlin Philharmonic and Royal Concertgebouw orchestras. Although this one pales in sound quality with these, it should be regarded as a first rate version due to the excellent collaboration between Vladimir Ashkenazy and the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. The Czech Philharmonic Orchestra still retains much of the rich, warm tone prevalent in such Eastern European orchestras as the Leipzig Gewandhaus, Berlin Staatskapelle, and especially, Dresden Staatskapelle. And true to the spirit of their illustrious Czech musical forebear, the orchestra plays its hearts on its sleeve, creating one of the most haunting versions of the Largo I have yet heard. Ashkenazy does a splendid job leading the orchestra, though some, such as this reviewer, would have enjoyed a more spirited, innovative interpretation such as Harnoncourt's. The second CD contains three of Dvorak's tone poems and overtures; these are also well played by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. Anyone in search of a fine recent recording of the Dvorak 9th Symphony won't be disappointed with this 2 CD set.

GOING HOME SLOW.......2002-08-28

Dvorak's New World Symphony is my all time favorite symphony. Ashkenazy gets it right by playing Going Home soft and gentle though he picks up in the Scherzo with Molto vivace. In Nature's Realm has the Czech's natural flair for the dramatic. Carnival is a joy. The CD coupling had only one left from Amazon, so get it while you can.

Tracks:

The Wild Dove, Op.110
Sym No.1 in c: I. Allegro
Sym No.1 in c: II. Adagio Molto
Sym No.1 in c: III. Allegretto
Sym No.1 in c: IV. Finale: Allegretto

Tracks:

Sym No.2 in B flat, Op.4: I. Allegro Con Moto
Sym No.2 in B flat, Op.4: II. Poco Adagio
Sym No.2 in B flat, Op.4: III. Allegro Con Brio
Sym No.2 in B flat, Op.4: IV. Finale: Allegro Con Fuoco Alla Breve
My Home (Domov Mui) Ov, Op.62: Andante/Maestoso/Quasi Andante/Allegro Vivace

Tracks:

Sym No.3 in E flat, Op.10: I. Allegro Moderato
Sym No.3 in E flat, Op.10: II. Adagio Molto, Tempo Di Marcia
Sym No.3 in E flat, Op.10: III. Finale (Allegro Vivace)
Scherzo Capriccioso, Op.66
Carnival Ov, Op.92

Tracks:

Othello, Op.93: Ov
Sym No.4 in d, Op.13: I. Allegro
Sym No.4 in d, Op.13: II. Andante Sostenuto E Molto Cantabile
Sym No.4 in d, Op.13: III. Scherzo: Allegro Feroce
Sym No.4 in d, Op.13: IV. Finale: Allegro Con Brio

Tracks:

Czech Ste, Op.39: I. Allegro Moderato
Czech Ste, Op.39: II. Allegro Grazioso
Czech Ste, Op.39: III. Allegro Giusto
Czech Ste, Op.39: IV. Andante Con Moto
Czech Ste, Op.39: V. Presto
Sym No.5 in F, Op.76: I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Sym No.5 in F, Op.76: II. Andante Con Moto
Sym No.5 in F, Op.76: III. Scherzo: Allegro Scherzando
Sym No.5 in F, Op.76: IV. Finale: Allegro Molto

Tracks:

In Nature's Realm Ov, Op.91: Allegro, Ma Non Troppo
Sym No.6 in D, Op.60: I. Allegro Non Tanto
Sym No.6 in D, Op.60: II. Adagio
Sym No.6 in D, Op.60: III. Scherzo
Sym No.6 in D, Op.60: IV. Finale: Allegro Con Spirito

Tracks:

Sym No.7 in d, Op.70: I. Allegro Maestoso
Sym No.7 in d, Op.70: II. Poco Adagio
Sym No.7 in d, Op.70: III. Scherzo: Vivace
Sym No.7 in d, Op.70: IV. Finale: Allegro
Sym No.8 in G, Op.88: I. Allegro Maestoso
Sym No.8 in G, Op.88: II. Poco Adagio
Sym No.8 in G, Op.88: III. Scherzo: Vivace
Sym No.8 in G, Op.88: IV. Allegro Ma Non Troppo

Tracks:

American Ste, Op.98b: I. Andante Con Moto
American Ste, Op.98b: II. Allegro
American Ste, Op.98b: III. Moderato (Alla Polacca)
American Ste, Op.98b: IV. Andante
American Ste, Op.98b: V. Allegro
Sym No.9 in e, Op.95 'From The New World': I. Adagio - Allegro Molto
Sym No.9 in e, Op.95 'From The New World': II. Largo
Sym No.9 in e, Op.95 'From The New World': III. Scherzo (Molto Vivace)
Sym No.9 in e, Op.95 'From The New World': IV. Allegro Con Fuoco

Customer Reviews:

ambitious and comprehensive.......2007-01-26

I bought this set because I was looking for early Dvorak, which is surprisingly difficult to find. As a collection of such hard-to-find material, this set of recordings is fabulous. I am already enamored of the fourth, listening to it over and over. The more I listen to this set of CDs, the more I like it. The technical quality of the playing, though overall not quite up to the level of the top world-class orchestras, is nonetheless excellent and in many ways more authentic of Dvorak and his world -- plus there are some really strong performances especially on the woodwind side.

An astonishing bargain on the used market.......2006-07-29

I was listening to Libor Pesek's complete Dvorak symphonies, which unlike most is generously filled with miscellaneous tone poems, overtures, and suites. The Czech Phil. sounds like they are to the manner born, but technical execution is spotty--this is an orchestra to appreciate for its local color rather than virtuosity. Pesek has middle-of-the-road ideas about the symphonies. The thin recorded sound isn't ideal, but the tangy Czech woodwinds are miked very close, which is appealing. There's no single performance to rival the best on CD, but everything is quite agreeable.

Then I noticed that on the used market this whole set sells for under $10--bargain alert. One could easily live with thwese readings and enjoy them al the more at such a steal.

Hard to beat.......2002-11-23

This set is a compilation of Pesek's recording cycle for Virgin between 1987-1995.

As a set of the complete symphonies it competes with Gunzenhauser (Naxos), Kertesz (Decca), Kubelik (DG), Jaarvi (Chandos) and Rowicki (Philips) In the UK this set is the cheapest way to buy a complete Dvorak cycle (there is a compilation box from Brilliant slightly cheaper but has the performances split unsuccessfully between three conductors : Paavo Jarvi, Kosler and Menuhin). However, in reviewing the set I took no account of price because, quite simply this set stands up well against all of the above.

First a note on the works. Dvorak's early symphonies are rarely performed and until recently hard to find on record. They dont reflect the maturity of style and understanding of symphonic form that one associates with 7, 8 and 9 but amongst them there are some real gems that it is a pity to neglect. Most notable is how clear Dvorak's orchestral voice is right from the start. Apart from strong and very obvious early influences from Wagner, Brahms and Beethoven what one hears most are pre-echoes of orchestral techniques used more successfully in the later works. Listening to the symphonies chronologically one is aware of the gradual maturing of form with the occasional marked change in approach such as from 4 - 5 when Dvorak's friendship with Brahms has clearly had effect. Needless to say, all the symphonies are orchestrally rich, colourful and dynamic with passages of great excitement and moments of sublime beauty.

Pesek's cycle alternates between his two favorite orchestras, 1,3,7,8 & 9 performed with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic (of whom he is currently conductor in residence) and 2,4, 5 & 6 the Czech Philharmonic (of whom he used to be conductor in residence). This alternation of orchestras adds an extra dimension to the cycle that I found quite refreshing. Pesek's approach has always been to let the orchestra have the freedom to express what he calls its "invisible spirit". "..you can hardly come to any orchestra and make them only play your way - it's a mutual exchange of experience..". Indeed this cycle gives one the chance to contrast the "invisible spirits" of the RLPO and CPO whilst still being aware of a unifying approach from Pesek.

The first 3 symphonies suffer perhaps from having too many ideas jostling for attention. It seems as if Dvorak is so excited with the infintie range of colours his orchestral paintbox can offer that he cant help but try out as many original and unusual scorings as possible. There are also many and frequent changes of dynamic, resulting in a kind of "crescendo-fatigue" Where Jaarvi tries hard to bring out an overall architecture that quite simply isnt there, Pesek, instead, revels in the many different textures and contrasting dynamics spotlighting certain passages for the inherent beauty they contain. I can think of no better approach for these early symphonies. With the fourth symphony however, Pesek now brings out the emerging sense of form as Dvorak reduces his orchestral palette in favour of more thematic development.

With Kertesz and Kubelik (and even the old Neumann on Supraphon) I was always aware of the shortcomings of the "middle" symphonies (5 & 6) feeling that they were "almost there but not quite". Under Pesek however, these symphonies exhibit a depth and maturity that gives me new respect. There is a relaxed confidence in his approach that makes us wonder why these works arent more played. There is much good music here and certainly I would put these particular performances at the top of my list.

When it comes to the "big three" (7, 8 and 9) there is so much competition in the catalogue that it would be impossible to pull out any one version and label it the best. Everyone has their own favorites (mine are Szell for 7, Kertesz for 8 and Barbirolli for 9). All I can say is the performances here are superb and cannot be criticised. Everything I look for in each performance Pesek has in spades. I may prefer Szell's third movement of the seventh or Barbirolli's opening to the ninth but this is countered by other aspects of the Pesek performances that are better in different ways. Most satisfying of all, having listened to Pesek guide me through the earlier symphonies, following his interpretation through into the last ones provides an insight and sense of completeness that any individual performance cannot achieve.

Finally a note on the recording. The CPO recordings (House of Artists, Prague) have slightly more ambience than the RLPO (Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool) which perhaps reinforces their "Czech" sound (memories of Supraphon!) but although the acoustic results in a slightly "fuller" sound it does not muddy the overall clarity of the excellent recording. The CPO recording of Symphony no 2 though was recorded in the Dvorak Hall, Prague and here there is slightly more reverberation. It's still within tolerable limits though. Overall the sound quality is excellent.

This is, all in all, great value for money and if the only Dvorak you know is the "New World" I suggest you go mad and buy this. You also get excellent performances of the Czech and American Suites, Othello, Wild Dove, My Home and Carnival Overtures and Scherzo Capriccioso thrown in as fillers!

Dvorák: In Nature's Realm; Carnival; Othello; Scherzo Capriccioso
Average customer rating:

Dvorak: "In Nature's Realm",Vernon Handley, conductor

Great musical performances spoiled by short timing

An excellent find

Lively Dvorak from an unusual source!

Dvorák: In Nature's Realm; Carnival; Othello; Scherzo Capriccioso

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000000AE9
Release Date: 1992-10-28

Tracks:

In Nature's Realm, Op. 91
Carnival, Op. 92
Othello, Op. 93
Scherzo Capriccioso, Op. 66

Customer Reviews:

Dvorak: "In Nature's Realm",Vernon Handley, conductor.......2006-03-01

In Nature's Realm is a not only a rarely recorded composition, it is even rarer that it is grouped with Carinval and Othello, the other pieces that Dvorak composed with it as a set. These three works, plus the Scherzo Capriccioso displays Dvorak's range, from lyrical and at ease, to the romping, to tragic intensity to the lively and vigorous. Vernon Handley's interpretations are well paced, attuned and sparkle with clarity.

Great musical performances spoiled by short timing.......2005-07-04

I don't argue with the other reviewers that have given this CD five stars for the music and the performances. Vernon Handley and the Ulster Orchestra show they can take on Dvorak's romantic tone poetry with the temperament needed to realize these portraits of nature, Otello and absolute music.

My quibble -- and it is a large quibble -- is that this exquisitely manufactured CD contains only 52 minutes of music and continues to be marketed by Chandos as a full price CD for a list price of $17.98. That makes the music-value quotient substantially lower, in my opinion, since there is plenty of space to include one or two more Dvorak pieces. Had they done that, this would clearly have been a five star selection. As it is, the music alone is great but overpriced for what is offered.

The notes to this issue provides some background on all the music and a paragraph on the performers, who together have taken on many of Britain's greatest composers and a few others worldwide. Handley is clearly one of today's better conductors, with an ear and temperament for music of the 19th and 20th centuries that renders his performances always of the first rank. I have heard him perform equally well with British, Russian and, now, Czech music. He is clearly at home with a very wide repertoire and the evidence on this CD is more proof of his connection to both the orchestra and the romantic period.

However, I cannot in good faith recommend you spend full price on a recording with so little musical contents. If you can acquire this from an Amazon.com vendor for $14 or less, it is quite a buy. It is a wonderful musical selection in any event.

An excellent find.......2001-06-24

An excellent recording. I have two other recordings of the carnival overture, both associated with recordings of the 9th symphony. However, it was not until recently that I discovered there were 2 other pieces that went with it. I was very pleased to find this recording, and the overall quality of the performance is excellent. A surprising, but pleasant find. I strongly recommend this recording to any true Dvorak fan.

Lively Dvorak from an unusual source!.......1999-05-05

Although the "Carnival Overture" is very familiar and frequently recorded, the other pieces on this collection are comparatively rare. However, I came away from this disc thinking that all this music was first-rate Dvorak. I especially liked Handley's version of "In Nature's Realm," which I found particularly atmospheric. This music may not be as famous as Symphonies 8 + 9, the Cello Concerto, and the Slavonic Dances, but this disc is a must for all true Dvorakians.

Antonín Dvorák: Overtures, Symphonic Poems, Symphonic Variations

Average customer rating:

Rereleased

Antonín Dvorák: Overtures, Symphonic Poems, Symphonic Variations

Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000001GFK
Release Date: 1992-02-11

Tracks:

Overtures: My Home
Overtures: The Hussite Song
Overtures: Amid Nature
Overtures: Carnival
Overtures: Othello
Symphonic Poems

Tracks:

The Noonday Witch
The Golden Spinning Wheel
The Wood Dove
Symphonic Variations on an Original Theme

Amazon.com

One of the very greatest collections of Dvorák recordings in the catalog, this set contains the four late tone poems based on folk legends, all of the major overtures (including the In Nature's Realm, Carnival, and Othello trilogy), and the magnificent Symphonic Variations. That's over two and a half hours of the some of the most colorful, appealing music in the history of the universe, all magnificently performed and recorded. If you don't own this set, you haven't lived. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Rereleased.......2002-06-23

This has just be rereleased, along with the Slavonic Dances, as part of a bargain-priced 3-CD set.

Music Review: