Dvorák: Symphonic Poems

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
These three Dvorák tone poems are late, major works, still basically unknown to the general music public. For a few bucks, you can introduce yourself to nearly an hour of prime Dvorák, all written after the "New World" Symphony. The lovely Czech idiom and typical sense of melody that distinguish Dvorák are here, but so is a dramatic urgency that we don't always associate with this most genial of composers. The American conductor and his Polish orchestra have collaborated on powerful, effective performances, perhaps not quite so intense as the classic Václav Talich mono versions (on mid-priced Supraphon) but certainly better recorded. This disc is an outstanding bargain. --Leslie Gerber

Tracks:

The Moldau (Vitava): The Moldau (Vltava)
From Bohemia's Meadows And Forests
Slavonic Dances Op.46: No. 1 in C Major: Presto
Slavonic Dances Op.46: No. 2 In E Minor: Allegretto Schezando
Slavonic Dances Op.46: No. 3 In A Flat Major: Poco Allegro
Slavonic Dances Op.46: No. 4 In F Major: Tempo di Minuetto
Slavonic Dances Op.46: No.6 In D Major: Allegretto Scherzando
Slavonic Dances Op.46: No.7 In C Minor: Alegro assai
Slavonic Dances Op.72: No.2 in E minor: Allegretto Grazioso
Slavonic Dances Op.72: No.8 In A Flat Mijor: Grazioso e lento, ma non troppo, quasi Tempo di Valse

Customer Reviews:

Obra-prima.......2007-05-13

Smetana não é muito difundido, mas "O Moldávia", parte integrante do poema sinfônico "Minha Pátria", é uma obra-prima da música clássica. Ao que parece, Rafael Kubelik, tanto no comando da sinfônica de Boston, quanto da orquestra sinfônica da rádio Bávara, dão um show de interpretação e lirismo. A gravação, como era esperado, não é boa, pois é muito antiga, mas artisticamenté a composição e execução são piramidais. Existem vários cds com esta obra com Rafael Kubelik, variando muito a técnica de gravação, mas a música em si é difícil de esquecer, eu mesmo fico com a melodia na minha cabeça todos os dias. Tem um cd da Mercury que nem estéreo é, contendo o poema completo, é magnífico, mesmo com chiados. Imperdível todos eles.

Magical.......2003-10-12

While listening to this CD, I had the undeniable feeling that I was outside breathing in the fresh air, relaxing in the sunshine listening to the sounds of a babbling brook and this glorious music!

I enjoyed it........2001-12-17

I enjoyed it, that's about all I can say. Couldn't fault it.

Beautiful..........2000-07-08

I love "The Moldau". It is one of the most prettiest works by Smetna. I still get chills from repeated listening.

Passion - Most Famous Orchestral Spectaculars [20 CD Set]

Average customer rating:

A good gift for novice

Passion - Most Famous Orchestral Spectaculars [20 CD Set]

Manufacturer: Delta
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Binding: Audio CD

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Classical Evolution: Spanish Guitar Music

ASIN: B00012QLTQ
Release Date: 2003-12-09

Album Description

Music can be both calming and relaxing, or invigorating and passionate...this phenomenal 20-CD set is definitely the latter. This amazing collection brings together for the first time the most passionate music of all time, from Ravel's Bolero, Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, Wagner's Magic Fire Music to Ravel's La Valse, Orff 's Carmina Burana and Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. This is a must have collection for every passionate music lover.

Customer Reviews:

A good gift for novice.......2007-05-12

This was a good gift for somebody learning about Classical music in Japan.

Average customer rating:

A+
Even for a trained jazz musician who thinks classical artists are overhyped, this stands out as one of the best albums.
Fantastic
Enjoyable listening
very interesting

Midori ~ Encore!
Fritz Kreisler , Niccolo Paganini , Christoph Willibald Gluck , Cesar Cui , Grazyna Bacewicz , Edward Elgar , Dmitry Shostakovich , Antonin Dvorak , Sergey Prokofiev , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Karol Szymanowski , Pablo de Sarasate , Gabriel Faure , Alexander Nikolayevich Skryabin , Bela Bartok , Eugène Ysaye , Midori (Goto) , and Robert McDonald
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mendelssohn, Bruch: Violin Concertos
French Violin Sonatas
Midori ~ Sibelius - Violin Concerto · Bruch - Scottish Fantasy / Israel PO · Mehta
Dvorák: Violin Concerto, Op.53

ASIN: B0000028N1
Release Date: 1992-12-08

Tracks:

Praeludium and Allegro (in the style of Pugnani)
Habanera, Op. 21, No. 2
Cantabile
Kaleidoscope: Orientale, Op. 50, No. 9
Oberek, No. 2
Salut d'Amour
Miniature Viennese March
24 Preludes, Op. 34: No. 10 - Moderator non tropp
24 Preludes, Op. 34: No. 15 - Allegretto
24 Preludes, Op. 34: No. 16 - Andantino
24 Preludes, Op. 34: No. 24 - Allegretto
Chanson de matin, Op. 15, No. 2
Introduction et Tarentelle
Slavonic Dance in E minor, Op. 46, No. 2 (B 170)
The Love For Three Oranges: March
Souvenir d'un lieu cher: Melodie, Op. 42, No. 3
Mythes, Op. 30: La FOntaine d'Arethuse
Syncopation
Orfeo ed Euridice: Melodie ('Dance Of The Blessed Spirits')
Berceuse, Op. 16
Etude in Thirds, Op. 8, No. 10
Romanian Folk Dances, Sz 56: Dance With Sticks - Allegro moderato
Romanian Folk Dances, Sz 56: Waistband Dance - Allegro
Romanian Folk Dances, Sz 56: Stamping Dance - Andante
Romanian Folk Dances, Sz 56: Hornpipe Dance - Molto moderato
Romanian Folk Dances, Sz 56: Romanian Polka - Allegro
Romanian Folk Dances, Sz 56: Quick Dance - Allegro
Reve d'enfant, Op. 14

Customer Reviews:

A+.......2007-05-10

To say that I love this disc would be an understatement. I have probably listened to it 500 times. To comment on just a few of the tracks...
The "Praeludium and Allegro" is definitely the best recording anyone (except maybe Kreisler!) has ever done. The praeludium, which is almost all quarter notes, is often just blindly sawed out. Midori treats each note individually. The allegro is also nice - not rushed at all. The staggeringly difficult Skryabin-Szigeti "Etude in Thirds" tossed off with impeccable technique and spotless intonation. Sarasate's "Habanera" sparkles with a decisive 'Spanish' flavor. Elgar's "Chanson de Matin" is just plain beautiful. Also nice are inclusions of some numbers not heard hardly ever, including Bacewicz's "Oberek #2" mazurka and the Shostakovich preludes. Robert McDonald, definitely one of the best, is the able pianist for all the numbers.

Even for a trained jazz musician who thinks classical artists are overhyped, this stands out as one of the best albums........2007-04-11

Let's be honest--any kid with a violin who ever set foot in a conservatory thinks (s)he's a prodigy, the next Mehta or Yo Yo Ma, while they play the same old tired music everyone else plays, exactly as the greats play it, with hardly a shred of originality that doesn't arise out of an inability to replicate the 'masters' as well as their CD players (and that goes for jazz musicians too, but they don't get as snobby about it). The musicians who are truly great don't have any sort of attitude about their playing or their music--they just play, and they play anything, and it's great.

Midori has been one such great artist from early on. She simply had the knack. You would still want to listen to her if she was half as skilled. Every decent musician practices assiduously, seeks out the best people to learn from, makes sacrifices in life just for the chance to play for a living (even weddings and strip clubs if need be), but few have 'the knack.'

I don't know if Midori has a similar story, nor does it really matter in terms of actually making music. I know her parents moved from Osaka to the States with her when she was about ten just so she could pursue her potential--as all great students have great parents. I'm sure she didn't just pop out of the womb playing violin. But, like I wrote above, she's got the knack that you can't get through practice or training. She's just plain great.

Yes, I'm bored by classical music in general. I like 'good' music regardless of style though, and this album is so far beyond good that it belongs in whatever collection of immortal artist you may have--say: Miles Davis, Joe Henderson, Johnny Cash, Billy Joel, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Shaka Khan, Luther Vandross, and--even if you have no other classical music in your collection--Midori.

Fantastic.......2006-08-11

Midori produces some amazing sounds out of her violin!
You cant go wrong with Encore! Shes brilliant.

Enjoyable listening.......2005-09-24

I enjoyed this cd especially the first three pieces. Midori played Sarasate and Paganini pretty well.

very interesting.......2005-09-13

I as watching (and listening!) her play live in Dubrovnik this summer. In this record she is equally brilliant as she is when playing live!

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

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Smetana: Má Vlast
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Dvorák: The Nine Symphonies

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!

Average customer rating:

Maybe it is time to rethink these works
Arguably the Definitive Set of Dvorak Symphonic Poems
Fantastic performances
Jarvi and the RSNO do Dvorak's glitter and gore proud!

Dvorak: Symphonic Poems

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Tchaikovsky Symphonic Poems / Manfred Symphony

ASIN: B00000IM6P
Release Date: 1999-04-13

Tracks:

Overture: My Home, Op. 62 - Dvorak
The Water Goblin, Op.107 - Dvorak
The Golden Spinning Wheel, Op.109 - Dvorak

Tracks:

The Noon Witch, Op. 108 - A. Dvorak
The Wood Dove. Op. 110 - A. Dvorak
The Hero's Song, Op. 111 - A. Dvorak

Customer Reviews:

Maybe it is time to rethink these works.......2006-07-30

Antonin Dvorak's (1841-1904) most popular composition is his Symphony No. 9 ("From the New World"). Written in America, it was Dvorak's last symphony, and his greatest orchestral work. Or, at least that is what everyone thinks.

As it turns out, Dvorak returned to his home in Bohemia after the completion of the New World Symphony and set out to compose a series of symphonic poems based on tales from "The Garland," which contains a collection of Czech folk ballads. Four of Dvorak's symphonic poems are directly based on the grisly tales from this collection, while the final and fifth symphonic poem, "The Hero's Song" (Dvorak's final orchestral work) is based on Dvorak's general ideas about an adventurer setting out in the world.

First things first, this is some of greatest music of the Romantic tradition available. Each of these pieces contains the best elements of Dvorak's music: the orchestration is colorful, the tunes are distinctive, and the codas are some of the most exciting in classical music. Dvorak was clearly at his creative height when the symphonic poems were composed. What makes these pieces truly spectacular is Dvorak's vivid portrayal of the macabre stories from "The Garland." And the word "macabre" isn't used lightly here. These stories involve decapitations, murders, witches and goblins.

The first symphonic poem "The Water Goblin" concerns a goblin who forces a girl, who has fallen into a lake, to live with him in the watery depths. The girl's only consolation is her half-goblin baby. Eventually, the girl escapes, but the goblin finds her and kills the baby. Not really a happy story, but Dvorak's depiction of all of these events is masterful. The goblin theme is menacing, the girl's lament is lovely, and the gruesome events concluding the story are depicted in dramatic fashion by the orchestra. The CD notes by Gerald Larner are extremely detailed and explain the stories much better than I have with "The Water Goblin" above. Further the notes reconcile Dvorak's musical ideas to the story in a manner which anyone can understand.

I won't try to describe the remaining symphonic poems, as the stories are far too detailed and I probably couldn't do the music justice. Suffice it to say, the remaining pieces are fabulous. And despite the long length of these works ("The Golden Spinning Wheel" is 27 minutes long) there is not a dull moment. As a side note, the earlier "My Home" overture opens the program and is included primarily as a filler. Nevertheless, the performance of that work is also great.

Given that Dvorak worked on these pieces simultaneously (they are labeled with contiguous opus numbers) and that they were based on stories from the same source, one could argue that the symphonic poems could be viewed as a single multi-movement work, perhaps a proramme symphony based on nationalistic elements. In such a work, "The Wood Dove" would constitute the adagio; "The Noon Witch" would probably be the scherzo; while "The Hero's Song" would serve as the finale, bringing the whole thing to a triumphant (emphasized) close. Of course, such an idea conflicts with the romantic idea that Dvorak wrote nine symphonies, with his dark and dramatic ninth being is crowning achievement.

All of that is hypothetical though. You just need to know that this release is a must classical music lovers. These works should be far better known and can stand as equals along side the best moments within Dvorak's symphonies. Get this disc, you won't be disappointed.

Highest recommendation!!

CD 1: 57:14
CD 2: 53:57

Arguably the Definitive Set of Dvorak Symphonic Poems.......2005-01-08

This 2-CD set of Dvorak's complete symphonic poems should arguably be considered the definitive choice for anyone who wants a complete recording of these pieces. Although the two great Dvorak interpreters, Kertesz and Kubelik, have made recordings of these pieces, Jarvi's set should arguably be considered a more appealing and engaging interpreter of these underrated gems. Jarvi's interpretations tend to be more vivid than his illustrious predecessors and the Scottish National Orchestra players respond well to his inspired direction and to this rarely-heard Dvorak repertoire, with the atmospheric and reverberant Chandos recording allowing the listener to immerse himself in the grisly and grutesque fairy-tale world of the Erben ballads that inspired these four works. Jarvi highlights many nuances in the four poems, from the drama of The Noonday Witch to the exotic surroundings of the Water Goblin, from the frightful incidents in The Golden Spinning-Wheel to the misleadingly pastoral Wood Dove, and the vividness of his interpretations make you wonder why people don't consider these pieces as durable as the New World Symphony. Jarvi's set is the only complete set of Dvorak symphonic poems to include the rarely-heard Hero's Song, with its bold, swaggering character and a forward drive the typefies some of the Mahler symphonies. This is as well-played as the Erbenesque poems and the My Home Overture, which makes a fitting fill-up to this set with its homage to a Czech playwright. An added bonus is the superb and lucid booklet notes by Gerald Larner, featuring all the details of the symphonic poems to guide the listener along. This set is now doubly attractive at a superb bargain price. All-in-all, a must-have for any Dvorak lover.

Fantastic performances.......2004-03-28

Although one would not expect the Royal Scottish Orchestra under Neeme Jarvi to produce the best recordings of the rarely performed Dvorak symphonic poems, Jarvi has created electrifying performances of the four poems and the rarely heard Hero's Song.
I have Kubelik's version on DG as well as these recordings. Although Kubelik does some very interesting things with the poems, bringing out nuances of the scores and delightful orchestral effects, he does not have the convection that Jarvi has. Rather, it sounds as if Kubelik is treating these works as inferior; he is not convinced by them. Jarvi, on the other hand, has totally immersed himself in the music of the Bohemian master, producing a complete traversal of the symphonies with the orchestra. And his love of Dvorak is evident here. Jarvi is completely aware of the charm and beauty of these works, as well as their musical importance. He performs these works smashingly, especially the Water Goblin, which he champions. The sound of the orchestra is warmer and smoother than Kubelik's performances. My only complaint would be that the orchestra does sound a bit distant in these recordings - the acoustics are not top notch. However, Jarvi's energy and belief in these works make this CD a must for any Dvorak lover.

Jarvi and the RSNO do Dvorak's glitter and gore proud!.......2000-10-19

This 2-CD compilation is one of Chandos's generous reissues of "fillers" that accompanied Jarvi's performances of Dvorak's symphonies, but as other critics have noted, these tone poems are much more than a few extra minutes of music pinned to end of a CD. Instead these beguilingly childlike but often rather grisly works are models of late-Romantic music-making writ large. Except for the 1894 opus 62 and the opus 111, Dvorak's last orchestral piece, the music in this set is based on some folk ballads written by Dvorak's compatriot Karl Jaromir Erben, a sometime poet. The fairy tales each tell a chilling story often interspersed with gore (I'll let you find out the details, which Gerald Larner's lucid liner-notes handle beautifully), but Dvorak is hardly put off by the subject matter and paints a gorgeous program in sound for each one, filling all with one heart-easing (or heart-rending, when necessary) melody after another. Highlights include the lovely lullaby for the half-goblin baby in the center section of The Water Goblin, the King's warmly grand tune and the Janacek-like obsessing string-figures for the three gruesome exchanges in The Golden Spinning Wheel, and the poignant conclusion to The Wood Dove. So what of Jarvi's performances of these fascinating works? I looked at the playing time of some of these pieces (27:02 for the Spinning Wheel alone) and thought I might get bored by a certain symphonic sameness, which can often be the case with lesser-known Dvorak conducted and played without even the last ounce of concern, but this was never the case here. Jarvi and his Scots play every note with interest and loving conviction, so that the tales engross and entertain, as Dvorak knew they could. The sound is vintage Chandos, reverberant as many recordings are from this source and venue (Henry Wood Hall) but sonically spectacular: the engineers handle the fortissimo marching figures at the opening of the Spinning Wheel with the same attention as the breathless entry of the Noon Witch in that tone poem. All-in-all, an unusual bargain and an absolute must!

Dvorak: Symphonies Nos. 8 & 9; Smetana: The Moldau

Average customer rating:

Wonderful Set For Lovers of Czech Repertoire

Dvorak: Symphonies Nos. 8 & 9; Smetana: The Moldau

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00008CLNR
Release Date: 2003-04-08

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Set For Lovers of Czech Repertoire.......2005-08-24

Dvorak's last two symphonies and Smetena's The Moldau were among favorite works of Karajan's wide repertoire.He recorded these works several times...No.8:in 1979 with BP for EMI,in 1985 with WP for DG...No.9:in 1964 with BP,in 1985 with WP for DG and in 1977 with BP for EMI...The Moldau:in 1967 and 1980's with BP,in 1985 with WP for DG,in 1970's with BP for EMI.This two CD consists of his DG recordings:No.8(1985-with WP),No.9(1964-with BP),selected parts from Slavonic Dances(1959-BP),The Moldau(1967-BP),Vysehrad and etc...I have almost all important recordings of these works(Kubelik,Giulini,Munch,Keilberth,great Klemperer & B.Walter,A.Fiedler,Szell,Solti,Ormandy,Kertesz,Maazel,Mackerras, Neumann,Sawallisch,Ancerl,Bernstein,Kondrashin,Dohnanyi,Jansons).Especially No.8 is my favorite interpretation and recording by far.Well- balanced rythmic figures,powerful string parts and blazing trumpets.No conductor(except Giulini)recorded this work such wonderful.No.9(1964)is good (particularly Largo).If you are lover of 'From the New World',this is a must for your collection,if not,you can find better recordings.My favorites for all times:Karajan-1977,BP and 1985,WP;Giulini's Chicago(1970's) and Concertgebouw(1992)recordings;Keilberth-1960's with Bamberg;Arthur Fiedler with Boston for BMG/RCA and Kubelik-1972 with BP.Some listeners don't like Karajan's performings because of more powerful than usual readings.They says:'Dvorak is not Bruckner or Wagner'.This may be true but not exactly.Dvorak's works(particularly Nos.7,8,9) includes structural and orchestral inspirations from Wagner and Bruckner.In short Karajan is always true conductor for Dvorak and Smetana lovers.All his performings in this set are powerful,authoritative,essential and undoubtly romantic!Very good price for two CD.Do not miss.

Average customer rating:

Late Masterpieces

Dvorák: Symphonic Poems

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Mendelssohn: Piano Trios Nos. 1 & 2

ASIN: B0000013UJ
Release Date: 1994-02-15

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com

These three Dvorák tone poems are late, major works, still basically unknown to the general music public. For a few bucks, you can introduce yourself to nearly an hour of prime Dvorák, all written after the "New World" Symphony. The lovely Czech idiom and typical sense of melody that distinguish Dvorák are here, but so is a dramatic urgency that we don't always associate with this most genial of composers. The American conductor and his Polish orchestra have collaborated on powerful, effective performances, perhaps not quite so intense as the classic Václav Talich mono versions (on mid-priced Supraphon) but certainly better recorded. This disc is an outstanding bargain. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Late Masterpieces.......2000-06-12

I've heard numerous versions of Dvorak's symphonic poems, but this one, the cheapest, is always the one that stands out. I have a deep affection for these late masterpieces, as you can sense Dvorak's delight in depicting the dark, fantastic world of Czech folklore. From the broad sweep of "The Golden Spinning Wheel," to the palpable horror of "The Noon Witch," all three pieces beautifully exploit the late Romantic orchestra and are unmistakably--but not typically--Dvorak. If you only know Dvorak from his last three symphonies, and the cello concerto, give these a try...it's an exciting new look at an all too familiar composer. This version, played with gusto by the brilliant Polish National Symphony, is simply the best. You have to give Naxos credit for going beyond the tried and true and unearthing some real gems. If you're looking to add these brilliant works to your collection, I would highly recommend this version (it's much cheaper than Jarvi's!) 5 stars.

Smetana: Má Vlast; The Bartered Bride - Hakon Jarl; Dvorák: Czech Suite; Prague Waltzes

Average customer rating:

A very enjoyable album
Glorious "Ma Vlast"
Nice Czech Collection

Smetana: Má Vlast; The Bartered Bride - Hakon Jarl; Dvorák: Czech Suite; Prague Waltzes

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
ASIN: B000004238
Release Date: 1995-03-14

Tracks:

Ma vlast (My Fatherland): Vysehrad - Bedrich Smetana
Ma vlast (My Fatherland): Vltava - Bedrich Smetana
Ma vlast (My Fatherland): Sarka - Bedrich Smetana
Ma vlast (My Fatherland): Z ceskych luhu a haju (From Bohemia's Meadows And Groves) - Bedrich Smetana
Ma vlast (My Fatherland): Tabor - Bedrich Smetana
Ma vlast (My Fatherland): Blanik - Bedrich Smetana

Tracks:

The Bartered Bride: Overture - Smetana/Dvorak
The Bartered Bride: Polka - Smetana/Dvorak
The Bartered Bride: Furiant - Smetana/Dvorak
Hakon Jarl, op.16 - Smetana/Dvorak
Prague Waltzes, B99 - Smetana/Dvorak
Nocturne, op.40 B47 - Smetana/Dvorak
Czech Suite, op.39 B93: l Preludium (Pastorale) - Smetana/Dvorak
Czech Suite, op.39 B93: ll Polka - Smetana/Dvorak
Czech Suite, op.39 B93: lll Sousedska (Minuetto) - Smetana/Dvorak
Czech Suite, op.39 B93: lV Romance - Smetana/Dvorak
Czech Suite, op.39 B93: V Finale (Furiant) - Smetana/Dvorak

Customer Reviews:

A very enjoyable album.......2004-11-07

There are plenty of great recordings of Ma Vlast. Actually, this one (Walter Weller conducting the Israel Philharmonic) is my favorite, even though Kubelik is a close second and Levine is good too. And there's also a choice I'm almost sure you haven't thought of, the superb performance by Igor Ardasev and Renata Ardaseva as a piano duet!

When you get this version, not only do you have an unforgettable Ma Vlast, you get a second CD that includes Antal Dorati conducting the Detroit Symphony in Dvorak's Czech Suite, Nokturno, and Prague Waltzes. Plus, there's Istvan Kertesz conducting the Israeli Philharmonic in some more works by Smetana (Hakon Jarl and the Overture, Polka and Furiant from the Bartered Bride). Of these, the Prague Waltzes and the Czech Suite are my favorites.

I heartily recommend this album.

Glorious "Ma Vlast".......2004-06-28

This is a very good czech collection includes Smetana's best known works and Dvorak's less known but all-worth-listening works.

CD 1 includes Smetana's complete symphonic poem cycle "Ma Vlast" (My Fatherland). This cycle based on six movements which, the second is ever-famous "Moldau". This cycle (as in name) tells about Czechoslovakia's historic lands and legends. As you know, Moldau is the famous river.
The other movements are:
1. Vysherad is the castle which protect the capital Prague in 13th century.

3. Sarka is the woman-hero who was lived in 13th century. She was fighted with Frenchs and but their general was fall in love to Sarka. So, she (with her charm) was deceived and then she invited the some of Frenchs for drink wine. Then, all of them (except Sarka) gets drunk and Sarka, secretly was added a poison which make them sleepy. So, all of them sleeps, and then Sarka calls her Czech army with her horn. And gradullay they comes, and all of them kills Frenchs (with their general), while they're sleeping!

5. Tabor is the army of the country and then 6. Blanik is the contiuation of Tabor. Blanik is the mountain which, the army's shelter, while they're waiting the "war alarm". But, this movement ends with a triumphal finale, which includes the main "Vysherad" and "God's Warriors" chorale. This work is very succesful example of patriotic music and it is to affect nationalism.

The performance of this work is very good. This is may be one of the best recordings of Walter Weller and Israel P O, too. They played this programme with emotion.

CD 2 starts with the overture and polka of Smetana's best known opera "The Bartered Bride". Especially, polka is a very beautiful example of this kind. The performances by Israel P O again, but conductor is Istvan Kertesz, who always a champion in perform Czech music. And then, there is a less known tone poem, Hakon Jarl, based on a Norwegian warrior legend. Conductor is again Walter Weller.

And at last, Dvorak and his beautiful Czech Suite which includes Furiant, Polka, Minuetto and like these dances. And there is a gentle work "Prague Waltzes" and a romantic "Notturno". All of these are digital recording and performed by Detroi S O, conducted by another legendary conductor, Antal Dorati.

This is a very good collection and highly recommended.

Nice Czech Collection.......2003-11-14

This two-disc set from the "Double Decker" series is a very good, if not definitive, collection of famous and lesser-known Czech orchestral works. Smetana's "Ma Vlast," a work virtually owned by conductors Kubelik and Ancerl (see my review of the latter), is performed well by Walter Weller and the Israel Philharmonic, who return for an encore on disc two with Smetana's "Hakon Jarl." Selections from Smetana's "The Bartered Bride" are done again with the IPO, but this time they are led by one of my favorite conductors, Istvan Kertesz. As much as I enjoy Kertesz, the highlights of this collection for me are the lesser-known pieces by Dvorak. Antal Dorati (another one of my favs) and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra offer us early digital recordings of the Prague Waltzes, Nocturne and Czech Suite. In all, this is a collection that will appeal to the casual fan and serious collector alike.

Average customer rating:

Price and quality
Lyrical, youthful and exciting.

Dvorák: Symphonic Poems; Overtures

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Brilliant Classics | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0007OP14O
Release Date: 2005-03-01

Customer Reviews:

Price and quality.......2007-02-05

This is indeed a fabulous set of recordings. Kuchar is underrated but continually well represented on Cd. I agree with the previous reviewer,the Janacek Philharmonic may not be Vienna,Berlin or Philadelphia but they're a lot more exciting to listen to than those more well regarded bands. Nearly everyone of these performances is first rate and they seem to have been recorded at a very high level. This sometimes makes the performances sound a bit frenetic and noisy at times(Carnival Overture especially)but for the asking price of these three disks,you'd be a fool to pay more. Pretty boys like the overrated Rattle can't hold a baton to Kuchar in this or any other repetoire. Buy it before Brillaint Classics decides to raise the price.

Lyrical, youthful and exciting........2005-06-24

I've listened to this recording so many times in the past 2 months. I learned the symphonic poems and overtures on the old 4-LP box set released in the U.S. as Legend (LGDD 101). Conducted variously by Chalabala (op. 107-110); Ancerl (op. 62, 67, 91-93); Neumann (op. 78); and Klima (op. 111) it was a place to start, but not wholly satisfying. Then came the Kubelik recordings on Deutsche Grammophon LP: I never felt that he got to the heart of Dvorak like Kertesz did. Next, for me was the Jarvi set. Better. Good clean readings. Good tempos and dynamics. I tried the Harnoncourt readings with the Concergebouw: made me think of Kubelik. Way too smooth and Brahmsian. The discs "in hand" with Theodore Kuchar and the Janacek Philharmonic Orchestra are really fabulous. I get the sonic impression that this is a "young" orchestra. There is a delight and fire in their playing that is truly infectious. The "line" is fluid. They know where they're going. This is music making at its finest. Not just technique and notes but a complete concept of the entire work. Like standing at the far end of a gallery and taking in a big painting. It's about the big work, not just the details. This is available at a great price and I strongly recommend these performances. There is joy and passion in Dvorak. Kuchar and the Janacek Phil. players know this and they deliver. Enjoy!

Smetana: Má Vlast; Dvorák: Czech Suite; Symphony No. 4

Average customer rating:

Unvaluable Ma Vlast, good Dvorak's recording
Worth it for the Dvorak
Superb Recordings and Performances, Unbeatable Price
4.99 stars for this CD...

Smetana: Má Vlast; Dvorák: Czech Suite; Symphony No. 4

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Ma Vlast: II. Visehrad
Ma Vlast: II. Vltava - Die Moldau - La Moldau
Ma Vlast: III. Sarka
Ma Vlast: IV. From Bohemia's Meadows And Groves
Ma Vlast: Tabor
Ma Vlast: Blanik

Tracks:

Domov Muj
Czech Suite: I. Allegro Moderato
Czech Suite: II. Allegro Grazioso
Czech Suite: III. Allegro Giusto
Czech Suite: IV. Andante Con Moto
Czech Suite: V. Presto
Symphony No. 4: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 4: II. Andante Sostenuto E Molto Cantabile
Symphony No. 4: III. Scherzo: Allegro Feroce
Symphony No. 4: IV. Finale: Allegro Con Brio

Customer Reviews:

Unvaluable Ma Vlast, good Dvorak's recording.......2004-07-24

For the first (Smetana) disc, I must very agree with mr. Evan Wilson. I tried to ask maestro Pesek, what went wrong in the time of recording (illnesses of key orchestra player, pressure from Virgin, or something like this), but friend of me, whose far uncle mr. Pesek is, hasn't been in contact with him up to now.
I wanted this recording very much, but major disappointment came over me after couple of listenings of Smetana's disc. The most critical problem is orchestra's performance during Allegro (or faster) tempos of all the compositions - especially in Vysehrad and Vlava, orchestra seems very hasty a unsychronized, the same could be said about Presto at the end of "Z ceskych luhu a haju", which is completely lacking details, loosing notes and is very shoddy (makeshift). The other problem is the brass section ; in Sarka, they play very well and is apparent, that they are excellent players, but - sometimes, and it is no rare, they falter and no one knows, why. In the other words, performance of brass section is very unsatisfied.
The second disc is contrary ; all pieces are performed very well, the sound of recording is much clearer than the Liverpool RPO one, and also the orchestra seems more concentrated to its playing.
I am giving three stars, because first disc is below-average and the second one above-average. For the price, it is good buy, if you wouldn't listen to performance of "Ma Vlast". Go for rare but perfect Smetacek / Czech PO from 1980 if you can, or for some of top Kubelik's recordings. This one will only harm you love for "Ma Vlast", if there's any.

Worth it for the Dvorak.......2003-04-17

Had this two-CD set cost the price of most similar sets (say [$$]) I would have had a hard time recommending it because the Smetana is a dreadfully dull performance. The English orchestra doesn't seem to have any feel for the idiom, and Maestro Pesek sounds bored with a piece that requires fiery leadership to carry it through some occasionally dry longeurs. If you're looking for a great "Ma Vlast" stick with Ancerl, Talich or Kubelik (try the mid-priced DG recording) even if the older sound on those recordings can't match Virgin's recording.

This disc gets 4 stars from me, however, because it only costs [$$] and it contains the single most lovely recording of Dvorak's sorely neglected, rather Wagnerian 4th symphony. Pesek doesn't quite match Kertesz's fire in this symphony, but here the difference in sound easily makes up the difference. Just listen to the constantly weaving melodies of the slow movement and try not to be seduced. Or wallow when the second theme of the finale arrives.

Getting the Czech Suite and My Home overture are a substantial bonus and both performances are solid and feature more of Virgin's incredible sound. If you don't know Dvorak's 4th, here's a mid-priced way to acquaint yourself with a wonderfully rich and beautiful piece. And because of the price, you don't have to feel guilty if you want to give away the Smetana.

Superb Recordings and Performances, Unbeatable Price.......2001-04-23

It's unusual to find an inexpensive release that fills two CDs with impeccably matched classics that are as beautifully recorded as they are performed. The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and the Czech Philharmonic, both under the baton of Libor Pesek, play superbly here, rendering the pieces with an energy and precision that is deeply moving and always appropriate. The recordings are digital, done in 1989 and 1995; the sound is clear, balanced, and dynamic, capturing the ambience of the concert halls without muddiness. Only aficionados of older analog recordings should pass this one up. An excellent buy.

4.99 stars for this CD..........2000-11-30

The deduction of 0.01 stars only for the somewhat boring interpretation of the prelude in the Czech Suite (CD2/track 2). All other pieces on both CD's are simply outstanding and can hardly be done better. In particular the Romance (Andante con moto; CD2/track 5) deserves special attention: listen and you can't help gently swaying along with the tender rythm. What a difference vs. Antal Dorati's previous reading with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra where this piece sounded rather sad whilst this here seems to be floating in the air... Excellent sound quality and clarity add to the listening pleasure, and last but not least the price is more than competitive.

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