Dvorák: Symphony No. 9; Wild Dove

On this CD:

1. Symphony No. 9 in E minor ("From the New World," first published as No. 5), B. 178 (Op. 95)
Composed by Antonin Dvorak
Performed by Belgian National Radio Philharmonic Orchestra (Brussels)
Conducted by Alexander Rahbari

2. The Wild Dove (Huloubek), symphonic poem for piano, 4 hands (arr. from The Wild Dove, B. 198 [Op. 110]), B. 524
Composed by Antonin Dvorak
Performed by London Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Alexander Rahbari

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.

Average customer rating:

Is Kubelik bettered by Kertesz?
Not the best
Great 7th and 8th but early symphonies fail to excite
Could be the definitive set
Not that great.

Dvorák: The Nine Symphonies

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Mendelssohn: 5 Symphonies; 7 Overtures
Schubert: 8 Symphonies
Dvorák: The Symphonies
Beethoven: Complete Symphonies; Sir Simon Rattle/Vienna Philharmonic
Schumann Piano Works

ASIN: B000025802
Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, 'The Bells of Zlonice': 1. Allegro
Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, 'The Bells of Zlonice': 2. Adagio molto
Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, 'The Bells of Zlonice': 3. Allegretto
Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, 'The Bells of Zlonice': 4. Finale: Allegretto
Symphony No. 4 In D minor, Op. 13: 1. Allegro
Symphony No. 4 In D minor, Op. 13: 2. Andante sostenuto e molto cantabile

Tracks:

Symphony No. 4 In D minor, Op. 13: 3. Scherzo: Allegro feroce
Symphony No. 4 In D minor, Op. 13: 4. Finale: Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 2 In B Flat Major, Op. 4: 1. Allegro con moto
Symphony No. 2 In B Flat Major, Op. 4: 2. Poco adagio
Symphony No. 2 In B Flat Major, Op. 4: 3. Scherzo: Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 2 In B Flat Major, Op. 4: 4. Finale: Allegro con fuoco

Tracks:

Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 10: 1. Allegro moderato
Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 10: 2. Adagio molto, tempo di marcia
Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 10: 3. Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 5 In F Major, Op. 76: 1. Allegro, ma non troppo
Symphony No. 5 In F Major, Op. 76: 2. Andante con moto - dopo una piccola pausa si continua
Symphony No. 5 In F Major, Op. 76: 3. Andante con moto, quasi l'istesso tempo - Allegro scherzando

Tracks:

Symphony No. 5 In F Major, Op. 76: 4. Finale: Allegro molto
Symphony No. 6 In D Major, Op. 60: 1. Allegro non tanto
Symphony No. 6 In D Major, Op. 60: 2. Adagio
Symphony No. 6 In D Major, Op. 60: 3. Scherzo: Furiant. Presto
Symphony No. 6 In D Major, Op. 60: 4. Finale: Allegro con spirito
Scherzo capriccioso, Op. 66: Allegro con fuoco - Poco tranquillo - Tempo I - Presto

Tracks:

Symphony No. 7 In D Minor, Op. 70: 1. Allegro maestoso
Symphony No. 7 In D Minor, Op. 70: 2. Poco adagio
Symphony No. 7 In D Minor, Op. 70: 3. Scherzo: Vivace - Poco meno mosso
Symphony No. 7 In D Minor, Op. 70: 4. Finale: Allegro
Symphony No. 8 In G Major, Op. 88: 1. Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 8 In G Major, Op. 88: 2. Adagio
Symphony No. 8 In G Major, Op. 88: 3. Allegretto grazioso - Molto vivace
Symphony No. 8 In G Major, Op. 88: 4. Allegro, ma non troppo

Tracks:

Overture Carnival, Op. 92
The Wood Dove, Op. 110
Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 95: 1. Adafio - Allegro molto
Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 95: 2. Largo
Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 95: 3. Scherzo: Molto vivace
Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 95: 4. Allegro con fuoco

Customer Reviews:

Is Kubelik bettered by Kertesz?.......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.

Not the best.......2005-05-19

Rafael Kubelik was a great conductor, whom I have alot of respect for. However, I just could not sink my teeth into these performances. I found them to be brash and over the top. They were played way too heavily for Dvorak. It was as if they thought they were playing Brahms. Now, I know Dvorak was a great admirer of Brahms, and that he definitely can be considered a Brahmsian, but the the music of these two men is very different. I prefer a lighter, more rustic approach to these works, like one finds in the Istvan Kertesz set on London. This is certainly the set to stick with for these symphonies. I have long since sold my Kubelik recording, because it just didn't do it for me... the Kertesz recording is a keeper.

Great 7th and 8th but early symphonies fail to excite.......2005-03-27

One of the problems in recording all of the symphonies of any composer is that some of the performances will fail. Just like very few sporting teams can win 9 games in a row, very few conductor/orchestra combinations can pull off 9 excellent performances. In this set there are only 2 excellent ones, 7 and 8. The New World (9) is cold and passionless, his Chicago recording was absolutely magnificent. The rest are ponderous and lacking in charm. It seems like the Berlin Philharmonic was simply not interested in the early symphonies of Dvorak. I wonder if they ever played them in concert or did they simply record them. Whatever, this set is not a bargain. One more thought: 2 of the symphonies are spread over two CDs. There is no excuse for doing something that outrageous. I checked the timings and the symphonies could have been placed on the 6 cds without spreading any of them on 2 discs. Or they could have simply put the set on 7 cds. Blank CDs don't cost much.

Could be the definitive set.......2004-04-20

I recently, actually just before purchasing this set, received Vaclav Neumann's set with the Czech Philharmonic. A really good set to compare this one to. I also have had, over the years, different performances of the late symphonies with, Ormandy, Szell, Sawallisch, Walter and Carlo Maria Giulini. When it comes to lush sound and playing, nothing tops the Philadelphia Orchestra. It was the first time that I had a chance to listen, side by side, the 7th, 8th and 9th. But, I must say overall this set is truly magnificent. In fact Maestro Kubelik's reading of the 2nd symph. helped me to understand the work. Neumann, although wonderfully played by the Czech orchestra, somehow couldn't bring across the meaning of the work to me, along with the strings sounding like they were in another building somewhere.

To me, all of Dvorak's sympyhonies are a set of tone poems that are molded together through a cyclic theme that pops up here and there. They are all so beautiful and magical and powerful, yet seem to weave together into a beautiful whole that can be called a symphony.

My favorites used to be the 1st, 4th, 7th,8th and 9th. Now, because of the maestro's reading, the second and a deeper love of the fourth. Infact, I want to add that the second may be the composers best work. Very creative and spontaneous but beautiful and powerful at the same time. The slow movent of the fourth maybe one of the most beautiful slow movements of any symphony ever composed.

His readings of the 3rd, 5th, and 6th are superior also. In a critique I wrote for the Neumann set I said that the strings were so poorly miked that it took away from his readings and the Kubelik readings magnify this tremendously.

The Berlin Philharmonic is wonderful in this set. I wish DG would have recorded the other works with it. The recordings with the Bavarian Radio Orchestra are very good, but the viruosity of the BPO would have added even more to the performances.

This set is an absolute must have for any basic library of classical music, and a must have for any Dvorack lover, the most underated and underplayed composer of them all. I wonder how few know that Dvorak truly amazed Brahms and Brahms even published some of the symphonies for him.

Not that great........2002-04-28

I certainly am no expert so you might want to weigh the review based on that. Some of the symphonies especially 7 & 8 were just not there. Played too fast there is no lushness or warmth that one expects in Dvorak's music, especially when compared to other recordings I have heard.

Dvorak: Symphonies Nos. 7-9; Smetana: The Moldau

Average customer rating:

Way above all others...
Outstanding Eighth ; fine Seventh and Ninth.
Great Performances, Great Value of Kubelik & Dvorak
Good Performances, Good Value

Dvorak: Symphonies Nos. 7-9; Smetana: The Moldau

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

The Nine Symphonies
Furtwangler Conducts Brahms - Complete Symphonies, etc / North German RSO, Berlin PO
Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 6 "Pastorale"

ASIN: B000001GL5
Release Date: 1995-01-24

Tracks:

Symphony No. 7 In D Minor, Op. 70: 1. Allegro maestoso
Symphony No. 7 In D Minor, Op. 70: 2. Poco Adagio
Symphony No. 7 In D Minor, Op. 70: 3. Scherzo. Vivace - poco meno mosso
Symphony No. 7 In D Minor, Op. 70: 4. Finale. Allegro
Symphony No. 8 In G Major, Op. 88: 1. Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 8 In G Major, Op. 88: 2. Adagio
Symphony No. 8 In G Major, Op. 88: 3. Allegretto gracioso
Symphony No. 8 In G Major, Op. 88: 4. Allegro, ma non troppo

Tracks:

Symphony No. 9 In E Minor, Op. 95 'The New World': 1. Adagio-Allegro molto
Symphony No. 9 In E Minor, Op. 95 'The New World': 2. Largo
Symphony No. 9 In E Minor, Op. 95 'The New World': 3. Scherzo. Molto vivace
Symphony No. 9 In E Minor, Op. 95 'The New World': 4. Allegro con fuoco
The Wood Dove, Op. 110
The Moldau: II. The Moldau

Amazon.com

Rafael Kubelík's complete Dvorák symphony cycle with the Berlin Philharmonic is one of the glories of the DG catalog, and this sampler, containing the three last symphonies at a twofer price, is all but irresistible. There were few conductors more authoritative in this music than Kubelík, and he inspired his players to performances that routinely surpassed the response they gave their regular conductor, Herbert von Karajan. This is essential listening. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Way above all others..........2004-06-08

This is a Dvorak cycle which is at once tasteful and powerful. the brass sonorities of the BPO are richly caught...Kubelik was a master in this repetoire.

Outstanding Eighth ; fine Seventh and Ninth........2002-07-12

Dvorak's music contains a great wealth of melodic inventiveness---grand climaxes, nostalgic reflections, panoramic vistas and exquisite instrumental color. Though Rafael Kubelik was, I feel, one of the finest interpreters of this music, he sometimes was not given the best treatment in the DGG recording studio. Here, for example, the horns occasionally border on stridency and could stand a little more fullness. Otherwise, Kubelik's view of the "New World" is a very fine one, though, for me, it does not match sonically and interpretively the classic Kertesz/Vienna Philharmonic version on London/Decca recorded around 1960 (not currently available). That performance should be re-issued and enshrined in the company's Legendary Performance series...In Dvorak's Seventh, Kubelik maintains his usual lyrical approach, though there are some areas in the final movement where I don't care for a few of his interpretive touches. Also, the colorful main theme in that movement could have been presented with a little more brio. Albeit, one of the better Seventh's I've heard. Another fine account, from years past, was Haitink's (Philips/Epic lp) in his first ever recording with the Amsterdam Concertgebouw. It is not and, sadly, probably never will be issued on CD. The Concertgebouw has also recorded (Philips CD) Colin Davis in this and the other Dvorak masterworks. I'm sorry, but as good as the orchestral execution and sound quality are of these releases, Davis does little for me in Dvorak because he seems to lack the feel for the Czech idiom. One conductor who had it, aside from Kubelik, was George Szell. For me, his Cleveland performance of the Seventh is the finest available in stereo. But there was another conductor with perhaps more Dvorak in his blood than anyone else. And that was Vaclav Talich. His 1938 account with the Czech Philharmonic (though in mono, and fairly good sound, at that) stands alone. There's loving care expressed in every bar. Moreover, this is no soppy interpretation. The dynamics are certainly there when called for. You can find his account, usually coupled with the Dvorak Eighth, on several different labels. I own the Koch.

Under Kubelik, the Dvorak Eighth is given one of the most thoroughly enjoyable accounts ever recorded. The accents, poetic musings and dynamic contrasts are all on the mark. What an absolutely beautiful interpretation! I have only one very slight criticism. The pace of the last movement might be a little too fast. But I'm not complaining. Another outstanding but better recorded Eighth comes from Istvan Kertesz and the London Symphony. Kertesz's slightly more relaxed pace frequently yields a very attractive lyricism, yet his more resounding moments are also quite impressive. Sir John Barbirolli's late 1950s account (nla, but well worth searching for) is also special. It absolutely brims with affection and endearing detail. Vaclav Talich's wonderful reading from 1935 (with Dvorak's Seventh on the previously mentioned Koch International) combines dynamics, warmth and tunefulness. It too occupies a seat among my aforementioned favorites. Another version, with Bruno Walter and the Columbia Symphony reveals a nice atmospheric presence, though occasionally the sound can be a tad bright. Nonetheless, his performance still ranks highly, as do George Szell's first two recordings, made with the Amsterdam Concertgebouw (in mono) and the Cleveland Orchestra (Sony), though I would place Walter and Szell just below the vanguard of Kubelik, Kertesz, Barbirolli and Talich.

Great Performances, Great Value of Kubelik & Dvorak.......2001-08-30

Those on a budget might seriously consider getting this two CD set of Rafael Kubelik conducting the Berlin Philharmonic, in lieu of the multiple CD set of his entire Dvorak symphony cycle. These are electrifying performances every bit as good as Sir Colin Davis' readings with the Concertgebouw Orchestra. Admittedly, the sound quality might not be as splendid as those of recent vintage, yet this is a set worth acquiring. With regards to the quality of the performance, Kubelik's 1960's account is as fine as the latest I have heard from the likes of Abbado and Harnoncourt. This two CD compilation concludes with Kubelik's celebrated version with the Boston Symphony Orchestra of the tone poem Moldau from Smetana's tone poem cycle Ma Vlast.

Good Performances, Good Value.......2000-07-14

Kubelik clearly had a special relationship with these works, as evidenced by the recent reissue of symphonies 7 and 9 with the Vienna Philharmonic from the 1950's in the Decca Legends series, but it is these recordings with the Berlin Philharmonic from the 70's that have become somewhat of a standard by which more recent recordings are judged. All three symphonies are played very well, with judicious choices of tempi and detailed orchestration. The sound is excellent for its time and DG has done a good job with the remastering. And yet, I still go back to the set of these symphonies with the Cleveland Orchestra under Dohnanyi on Decca as my absolute top choice. The sound on the latter rivals any cd I've heard from any source and the readings seem to have a bit more life than Kubelik. The Cleveland versions are also available on a 2 for 1 set from Decca, so either set is a good value. You probably won't be disappointed with either set.

Dvorak: Symphonies 1-9 / Orchestral Works

Average customer rating:

ambitious and comprehensive
An astonishing bargain on the used market
Hard to beat

Dvorak: Symphonies 1-9 / Orchestral Works

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Beethoven: Piano Sonatas (Complete) [Box Set]

ASIN: B00004Z34H
Release Date: 2001-04-10

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.

Tracks:

Allegro
Adagio Molto
Allegretto
Finale: Allegreto
Allegretto
Molto Moderato
Allegro Giusto
Molto Maestoso
Allegro Giusto

Tracks:

Allegretto
Poco Adagio
Scherzo: Allegro Con Brio
Finale: Allegreto Con Fuoco
Allegro Con Moto
Allegretto Grazioso
Un Poco Allegretto E Grazioso
Andante Con Moto
Andante

Tracks:

Allegro Moderato
Adagio Molto, Temp Di Marcia
Allegro Vivace
Allegro Non Tanto
Adagio
Scherzo: Furiant: Presto
Finale: Allegro Con Spirito

Tracks:

Allegro
Andante Sostenuto E Molto Cantabile
Scherzo: Allegro Feroce
Finale: Allegro Con Brio
Allegro Con Brio
Adagio
Allegretto Grazioso - Molto Vivace
Allegro, Ma Non Troppo

Tracks:

Allegro, Ma Non Troppo
Andante, Con Moto
Andante Con Moto, Quasi L'istesso Tempo - Allegro Scherzando
Finale: Allegro Molto
Allegro Maestoso
Poco Adagio
Scherzo Vivace - Poco Meno Mosso
Finale: Allegro

Tracks:

Adagio- Allegro Molto
Largo
olto Vivace
Allegro Con Fuoco
Sumphonic Variations, Op. 78

Tracks:

Allegro Agitato - Jeno Jando
Andante Sostenuto
Allegro Con Fuoco
The Water Goblin, Symphonic Poem, Op. 107

Tracks:

Allegro Ma Non Troppo - Ilya Kaler
Adagio Ma Non Troppo - Ilya Kaler
Allegro Giocoso, Ma Non Troppo - Ilya Kaler
Romance For Violin And Orchestra In F Minor, Op. 11 - Ilya Kaler
Mazurka For Violin And Orchestra, Op. 49 - Alexander Trostianski

Tracks:

Allegro - Maria Kliegel
Adagio Ma Non Troppo - Maria Kliegel
Finale: Allegro Moderato - Andante - Allegro Vivo - Maria Kliegel
Walderuhe For Cello And Orchestra, Op. 68/5 - Dmitry Yablonsky
Rondo For Cello And Orchestra, Op. 94 - Dmitry Yablonsky

Tracks:

No. 1 In C Major
No. 2 In E Minor
No. 3 In A Flat Major
No. 4 In F Major
No. 5 In A Major
No. 6 In D Major
No. 7 In C Minor
No. 8 In G Minor
No. 1 In B Major
No. 2 In E Minor
No. 3 In F Major
No. 4 In D Flat Major
No. 5 In B Flat Minor
No. 6 In B Flat Major
No. 7 In C Major
No. 8 In A Flat Major

Tracks:

Rhapsody, Op. 14
No. 1
No. 2
No. 3

Tracks:

The Noon Witch, Op. 108
The Golden Spinning-Wheel, Op. 109
The Wild Dove, Op. 110

Tracks:

Moderato
Tempo Di Valse
Scherzo: Vivace
Larghetto
ale: Allegro Vivace
Moderato, Quasi Marcia - Oslo Philharmonic Wind Soloists
Minuetto - Oslo Philharmonic Wind Soloists
Andante Con Moto - Oslo Philharmonic Wind Soloists
Allegro Molto - Oslo Philharmonic Wind Soloists
Notturno In B Major, Op. 40
Five Prague Waltzes
Polka In B Flat Major, Op. 53 A / 1

Tracks:

I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
Preludium (Pastorale)
Polka
Sousedska (Minuetto)
Romance (Romanza)
Fineal (Furiant)
Andante Con Moto
Adagio
onderato (Alla Polacca)
Andante
Allegro
Polonaise In E Flat Major
Festival March, Op. 54

Tracks:

King And Charcoal Burner, Overture
Prelude To Act 1
Prelude To Act 2
Ballet Music From Act 3
Overture
Prelude To Act 2
Infernal Dance From Act 2
Prelude To Act 3
Overture
Polonaise
Dmitrij, Overture
Armida, Overture

Tracks:

Vanda (Overture), Op. 25
In Nature's Realm (Overture), Op. 91
Carnival (Overture), Op. 92
Othello (Overture), Op. 93
My Home (Overture), Op. 62

Tracks:

Hussite Overture, Op. 67
Selma Seklak Overture, Op. 37
Dramatic Overture, Op. Posth
Scherzo Capriccioso, Op. 66
A Hero's Son, Op. 111

Customer Reviews:

20 Hours of Dvorak at a Bargain Price.......2004-08-03

This 17-CD set collects together in one box all the published orchestral works of Antonin Dvorak. It's neatly done: each CD is in a paper envelope and there is a 51-page booklet (with knowledgable and helpful notes for each disc) all fitted into a cardboard box no thicker than that ordinarily used for a two-CD opera recording. All this music has been issued previously on separate discs or sets by Naxos and most of it is, if I'm not mistaken, still available that way. But this collection is one easy way to scoop up all of Dvorak's orchestral music at once. There is much music here that is almost never heard, certainly not in the concert hall and even on CD. For instance, I cannot recall ever seeing a recording (and I know I've never heard in performance) Dvorak's 'Intermezzi.' And the rarely-heard 'Legends' are nicely done here by Stephen Gunzenhauser and the Czecho-Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra. Of course, the name of the orchestra tells you something: some of these performances were recorded before the breakup of Czechoslovakia into Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Yes, some of the recordings go back to the late 1980s. No matter - the sound is quite acceptable throughout.

There are numerous participants in these recordings, many of them orchestras in the Czecho-Slovak area, as well as the Polish National Radio Orchestra, the Russian Philharmonic and even London's Royal Philharmonic (in a smashing performance, with Maria Kliegel, sure one of our best current cellists, in the Cello Concerto). Conductors include Gunzenhauser, Antoni Wit, Camilla Kolchinsky, Dmitry Yablonsky, Michael Halasz, Zdenek Kosler, Libor Pesek, and Robert Stankovksy.

Obviously one wouldn't buy this set for the most familiar Dvorak pieces - the 'New World' Symphony, the Cello Concerto, the Slavonic Dances - if that was all one was interested in. There are too many fine performances of those already on the market. But how many of you have recordings of poorly known but top-drawer works like the 'Czech Suite,' the 'American Suite,' (it is fashionable to dismiss this suite, but it's actually one of Dvorak's best), or some of the orchestral music from his many operas--overtures to 'King and Charcoal Burner,' 'The Jacobin,' 'Kate and the Devil,' 'Rusalka'? All of these, and more, are here. I recently returned from a trip and the only music I took along was this box of Dvorak. I never got sated, or bored, by it.

I was also quite taken by the performance of one of my favorite pieces by Dvorak, his 'Wind Serenade,' here played by the Oslo Philharmonic Wind Soloists. And there are marvelous performances by Gunzenhauser and the Polish NRSO of 'The Noon Witch,' 'The Golden Spinning Wheel,' and (a particular favorite of mine) 'The Wild Dove.'

And then there's the super-bargain Naxos price. This is an easy recommendation for the music lover in the market for this specific collection of music.

Scott Morrison

Average customer rating:

Dvorák: Symphony No. 9; Wild Dove

Manufacturer: Koch Discover Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Sym No.9 in 3, Op.95 (From The New World): Adagio-Allegro Molto
Sym No.9 in 3, Op.95 (From The New World): Largo
Sym No.9 in 3, Op.95 (From The New World): Scherzo. Molto Vivace
Sym No.9 in 3, Op.95 (From The New World): Finale. Allegro Con Fuoco
The Wild Dove, Op.110 - LPO/Alexander Rahbari

Average customer rating:

Dvorak: Orchestral Works

Manufacturer: Koch Discover Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Tracks:

Sym No.7 in d, Op.70: Allegro - BRTN PO Brussels/Alexander Rahbari
Sym No.7 in d, Op.70: Poco Adagio - BRTN PO Brussels/Alexander Rahbari
Sym No.7 in d, Op.70: Scherzo. Vivace - BRTN PO Brussels/Alexander Rahbari
Sym No.7 in d, Op.70: Finale. Allegro - BRTN PO Brussels/Alexander Rahbari
Slavonic Dances: No.1 - Slovak Radio New PO Bratislava/Alexander Rahbari
Slavonic Dances: No.8 in g, Op.46 - Slovak Radio New PO Bratislava/Alexander Rahbari
Slavonic Dances: No.10 in e, Op.72 - Slovak Radio New PO Bratislava/Alexander Rahbari
Slavonic Dances: No.15 in C, Op.72 - Slovak Radio New PO Bratislava/Alexander Rahbari

Tracks:

Sym No.8 in G, Op.88: Allegro Con Brio - BRTN PO Brussels/Alexander Rahbari
Sym No.8 in G, Op.88: Adagio - BRTN PO Brussels/Alexander Rahbari
Sym No.8 in G, Op.88: Allegretto Grazioso - BRTN PO Brussels/Alexander Rahbari
Sym No.8 in G, Op.88: Finale. Allegro Ma Non Troppo - BRTN PO Brussels/Alexander Rahbari
The Golden Spinning Wheel, Op.109 - LPO/Alexander Rahbari

Tracks:

Sym No.9 in 3, Op.95 (From The New World): Adagio-Allegro Molto - BRTN PO Brussels/Alexander Rahbari
Sym No.9 in 3, Op.95 (From The New World): Largo - BRTN PO Brussels/Alexander Rahbari
Sym No.9 in 3, Op.95 (From The New World): Scherzo. Molto Vivace - BRTN PO Brussels/Alexander Rahbari
Sym No.9 in 3, Op.95 (From The New World): Finale. Allegro Con Fuoco - BRTN PO Brussels/Alexander Rahbari
The Wild Dove, Op.110 - LPO/Alexander Rahbari

Tracks:

Ser in d, Op.44: Moderato Quasi Marcia - Virtuosi di Praga/Oldrich Vlcek
Ser in d, Op.44: Minuetto - Virtuosi di Praga/Oldrich Vlcek
Ser in d, Op.44: Andante Con Moto - Virtuosi di Praga/Oldrich Vlcek
Ser in d, Op.44: Finale. Allegro Molto - Virtuosi di Praga/Oldrich Vlcek
Ser in E, Op.22: Moderato - Virtuosi di Praga/Oldrich Vlcek
Ser in E, Op.22: Tempo Di Valse - Virtuosi di Praga/Oldrich Vlcek
Ser in E, Op.22: Scherzo. Vivace - Virtuosi di Praga/Oldrich Vlcek
Ser in E, Op.22: Larghetto - Virtuosi di Praga/Oldrich Vlcek
Ser in E, Op.22: Finale. Allegro Vivace - Virtuosi di Praga/Oldrich Vlcek
Miniatures, Op.74a: Cavatina - Virtuosi di Praga/Oldrich Vlcek
Miniatures, Op.74a: Capriccio - Virtuosi di Praga/Oldrich Vlcek
Miniatures, Op.74a: Romanza - Virtuosi di Praga/Oldrich Vlcek
Miniatures, Op.74a: Elegia - Virtuosi di Praga/Oldrich Vlcek

Dvorák:Symphony Nos. 7, 8 & 9/The Wood Dove

Average customer rating:

Dvorák:Symphony Nos. 7, 8 & 9/The Wood Dove

Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000000SO6
Release Date: 1994-09-06

Tracks:

Sym No.7 in d, op.70: Allegro maestoso
Sym No.7 in d, op.70: Poco adagio
Sym No.7 in d, op.70: Scherzo: Vivace-Poco
Sym No.7 in d, op.70: Finale: Allegro
Sym No.8 in G, op.88: Allegro con brio
Sym No.8 in G, op.88: Adagio
Sym No.8 in G, op.88: Allegretto grazioso
Sym No.8 in G, op.88: Allegro ma non troppo

Tracks:

Sym No.9 in e, op.95, 'From the New World': Adagio-Allegro molto
Sym No.9 in e, op.95, 'From the New World': Largo
Sym No.9 in e, op.95, 'From the New World': Scherzo: Molto vivace
Sym No.9 in e, op.95, 'From the New World': Allegro con fuoco
The Wood Dove, op.110

Amazon.com

Eliahu Inbal is a chronically underrated conductor. He has made many fine recordings of music by Mahler, Strauss, Schumann, Scriabin, Bruckner, and many other composers, but because he has tended to jump from label to label, he doesn't get the promotional consideration that he deserves. These Dvorák performances are all very fine--warmly sympathetic, well played, and attractively recorded. At mid-price, they are fully competitive with the best available elsewhere, so you may very well want to give them a shot. --David Hurwitz

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