Dvorak: Symphonies Nos. 6 & 8

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Brahms was the abiding influence on Dvorák, particularly in his symphonies. But part of Dvorák's genius was his ability to let native folk melodies from various Czech and Slavic sources determine the course of his symphonies. The structuring might be Brahms, but the guts are all Dvorák. You can still hear Brahms in both these two popular symphonies, but only in the framework. Conductor Myung-Whun Chung expertly (and lovingly) shapes the rich melodic lines in such a way that, especially in Symphony no. 8, Brahms becomes a mere specter lurking in the background. Both works contain memorable themes and native melodies and both works rank among the best examples of symphonic romanticism. These are excellent performances and the Deutsche Grammophon sound is superb. --Paul Cook

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.

Average customer rating:

I can name that tune in three notes
A Fabulous CD
Mega-Sampler! This really does have 99 tracks!
Fun Sampler
Useful.

Idiot's Guide to Classical Music

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Release Date: 1995-02-14

Tracks:

Adagio
Air on the G String: Air on the G String, Excerpt
Brandenburg Concerto: Third Movement, Excerpt
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Excerpt
Tocatta & Fugue: Excerpt
Adagio for Strings: Excerpt
Synphony No. 5: First Movement, Excerpt
Symphony No. 9: Fourth Movement, Excerpt
Fse: Excerpt
Turkish March: Turkish March, Excerpt
Moonlight Sonata: Excerpt
Symphonie Fantastique: March Ot the Scaffold, Excerpt
Damnation of Faust: Excerpt
Carmen - Habanera: Habanera, Excerpt
Toreador Song [From Carmen]
Minuet: Minuet, Excerpt
Prince Igor: Polovtsian Dance No 17, Excerpt
Hungarian Dance No. 5: No 5, Excerpt
Lullaby: No 4, Lullaby, Excerpt
"Minute" Waltz: Excerpt
Grande Valse Brillante: Excerpt
Marche Fune: Marche Fune
Appalachian Spring: Excerpt
Fanfare for the Common Man: Excerpt
Clair de Lune: Excerpt
Prelude to the Afternoon: Excerpt
Lakm Flower Duet: Flower Duet, Excerpt
Symphony No. 9 "New World": Second Movement, "Going Home" Theme, ...
The Sorcerer's Apprentice: Excerpt
Pomp & Circumstance: Excerpt
El Amor Brujo
Pavane: Excerpt
Rhapsody in Blue: Excerpt
American in Paris: Excerpt
Funeral March of Marionette: Excerpt
Piano Concerto in a Minor: Excerpt
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 - Morning: Morning, Excerpt
Messiah - Hallelujah Chorus: Hallelujah Chorus, Excerpt
Water Music - Hornpipe: Hornpipe, Excerpt
Symphony No. 94 "Surprise": Second Movement, Excerpt
The Planets - Mars: Mars, Excerpt
Sabre Dance: Sabre Dance, Excerpt
Pagliacci: Vesti la Giubba, Excerpt
Hungarian Rhapsody
Liebestraum No. 3: No 3, Excerpt
Cavalleria Rusticana - Intermezzo: Intermezzo, Excerpt
Midsummer Night's Dream - Wedding March: Wedding March, Excerpt
Symphony No. 4 "Italian": Fourth Movement, Excerpt
Rondeau: No 1, Rondeau
Piano Concerto No. 21: Andante, Excerpt
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik: First Movement, Excerpt
The Marriage of Figaro - Overture: Overture, Excerpt
Sonata in A - Rondo Alla Turca: Rondo Alla Turca, Excerpt
Symphony No. 40: First Movement, Excerpt
Night on Bald Mountain: Excerpt
Pictures at an Exhibition - Great Cave of Kiev: Great Gate of ...
Barcarolle: Barcarolle, Excerpt
Orpheus in Hades - Theme II: Excerpt (Theme)
Carmina Burana - O Fortuna: O Fortuna, Excerpt
Canon: Canon, Excerpt
Romeo & Juliet - Montagues & Capulets: Montagues & Capulets, Excerpt
Lt. Kije's Wedding: Lt. Kije's Wedding, Excerpt
Turandot - Nessun Dorma: Nessun Dorma, Excerpt
Piano Concerto No. 2: Second Movement, Excerpt
Symphony No. 2: Third Movement, Opening, Excerpt
Rhapsody on a Theme: Variation 18, Excerpt
Bolero
Flight of the Bumblebee
Concierto de Aranjuez - Adagio: Adagio, Excerpt
The Barber of Seville - Overture: Excerpt
The Barber of Sville - Largo Al Factotum: Largo Al Factotum, Excerpt
William Tell Overture - Theme II: Excerpt
Danse Macabre: Excerpt
Gymnope No. 1
Symphony N0. 8 "Unfinished": Excerpt
Ave Maria: Excerpt
Finlandia [Finale: Finale, Excerpt]
Valse Triste: No 1, Valse Triste, Excerpt
Stars & Stripes Forever: Excerpt
Semper Fidelis: Excerpt
Blue Danube Waltz: Excerpt
Tales from the Vienna Woods: Excerpt
Also Sprach Zarathustra: Fanfare, Excerpt
Firebird - Infernal Dance & Main Theme: Infernal Dance & Main ...
The Nutcracker - Waltz of the Flowers: Waltz of the Flowers, Excerpt
Swan Lake - Waltz: Waltz, Excerpt
Sleeping Beauty -: Waltz, Excerpt
Romeo & Juliet - Theme II: Theme LL, Excerpt
Piano Concerto No. 1 - Opening: Opening, Excerpt
1812 Overture - Finale: Finale, Excerpt
Fantasia on "Greensleeves": Excerpt
Alda - Grand March: Grand March, Excerpt
Il Trovatore - Anvil Chorus: Anvil Chorus, Excerpt
Requiem - Dies Irae: Dies Irae, Excerpt
Rigoletto - La Donna Mobile: La Donna Mobile, Excerpt
The Four Seasons "Spring" - Allegro: Allegro, Excerpt
The Four Season "Winter" - Largo: Largo, Excerpt
Lohengrin - Bridal Chorus: Bridal Chorus, Excerpt
Die WalkRide of the Valkyries: Ride of the Valkyries, Excerpt

Customer Reviews:

I can name that tune in three notes.......2005-02-19

My family likes to put this disc in on shuffle and play name that tune. I wish they made more discs like this, only with more obscure works.

A Fabulous CD.......2004-10-14

The Idiot's Guide to Calssical Music is an awesome Cd for those people who want to have a tiny sample of all the great classical compositions. Track 61 and 63 are my favorite.

Mega-Sampler! This really does have 99 tracks!.......2002-03-20

Yes, this CD really does have 99 tracks. How do they do it? Each is about a minuet long. Some are longer, some are shorter, but you get the micro-essential moments of the music.

If you like burning your own CDs, then this is a great source for intra-track fillers, along the lines of They Might Be Giants' "Apollo 18" album, which has all of those short tracks on the end. The idea is to put your CD player on shuffle, so the short tracks get mixed in with the bona fide songs. The result being a very unusual album.

The booklet gives an explanation of the track, where you heard it (i.e. the Warner Brother's Cartoons, or on famous films), and where you can get the full piece of music. So it's a mega sampler CD.

I can honestly say that this CD is a great gift for the friend who has everything.

Fun Sampler.......2001-11-09

For the beginner. You will be surprised at how many of the 99 themes you recognize here. It is an easy introduction to classical music. Nice booklet too.

Useful........1999-03-22

Take it for what it is, a clever and useful GUIDE to classical music. No, it is NOT an uncut rendition of Beethoven's 9th symphony. It IS a cd that will jog your memory. You have heard many of the tunes presented here, but not always knowing what the work was. This is your chance to catch up with all the great classical music you have been exposed to. Cheap too.

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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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:

More Than Acceptable
Good work, ok performance, poor sonics
more underrated masterpieces
Two unknown masterworks, two master performances.....

Dvorák: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 6

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000013NT
Release Date: 1992-06-30

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

More Than Acceptable.......2007-06-24

Antonin Dvorak, Symphony No. 3 in E Flat Major, Op. 10; Symphony No. 6 in D Major, Op. 60. Performed by the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, directed by Stephen Gunzenhauser. Recorded at the Concert Hall of the Slovak Philharmonic in Bratislava, Slovakia, in May 1990. Released in 1991 as Naxos 8.550268. Total playing time: 78'00".

This is an excellent disc of some exquisite music at an unbelievably low price. As another reviewer has already said what needs to be said about the music and the performance, I don't really need to add anything except that I agree with all that has been said in praise of this disc. Where the other reviewers have a difference of opinion is about the sonics, and I should like to suggest that this is a matter of the equipment used to play the disc and of the expectations the listener brings to the music. This is one of the better Naxos recordings I have heard with a natural acoustic and very little indeed of the "cavernous" sound from some of their earlier discs. It is true that you will find a more sensational, close-up recorded sound on discs from some of the majors (Deutsche Grammophon, RCA Living Stereo, Sony Vivarte), and sound at this level is not to be expected from a 1990 Naxos CD. But I felt that the sound was, nonetheless, more than acceptable, certainly not "muddy" as one reviewer has complained. It is like sitting several rows back in a concert - you are not quite in the front row, but from your seat you still have a good panorama and can hear every instrument clearly. That is the Naxos ideal, and I felt it had been achieved here rather well. The disc was given three stars in the Penguin Good CD Guide, too, which is usually reason enough to believe it is good!

[Pontificating on the "sound" of a recording is always risky because of the differences between various kinds of hifi. Therefore here is a description of my listening equipment: NAD C 542 CD player; digital signal passed by coaxial cable Oehlbach XXL to a Benchmark DAC 1 digital/analogue converter, from whence the music signal goes by cinch (NF) cable Kimber PBJ or Van den Hul The Name directly to the "Main In" connections of my NAD C 350 amplifier and from there via Kimber loudspeaker cable to my Dynaudio Contour 1.1 compact speakers. Alternatively, I listen on AKG 701 headphones attached either directly to the Benchmark DAC 1 or to a Lehmann Audio Black Cube Linear headphone amp.]

Good work, ok performance, poor sonics.......2003-08-28

I've never heard the Dvorak 3rd until this recording and have to wonder why. While it doesn't rank in stature with Dvorak's last three symphonies, it is a listenable work from the pen of a musical genius. The last movement is fun - more fun, I suspect, than Stephen Guzenhauser's rather restrained performance elicits. I fail to understand two other reviewers here who claim great sonics for this recording. Some of Naxos's output is sonically acceptable - even good - but not this one. Microphones are distant - that's good - but they sound misplaced, creating a muddy texture that is shrill at the same time. If this is an accurate rendering of an acoustically miserable concert hall, I apologize, but I doubt that is the case. Keep the volume down or play it in your car. Still, the price is right, and you can enjoy two overlooked Dvorak symphonies played pretty darn well. The sonics aren't Telarc or Delos, but neither is the price.

more underrated masterpieces.......2001-12-25

Dvorak's Third is rather unconventional in that it contains only three movements rather than the usual four. However, it is still an early masterpiece and is perhaps the most frequently played of Dvorak's early symphonies. One can notice influences from Wagner in this work, and once again Dvorak provides us with great listening with his never-ending outpouring of melody. Gunzenhauser once again gives us a fabulous performance. The first movement brings outstanding playing from the woodwinds and the balance between each section of the orchestra is perfect. Indeed, from the opening notes of the symphony, one can tell that this is going to be a performance to remember. The second movement is solemn but has an uplifting middle section. However, the climax seems to be slightly reserved. The final movement is heroic and the Slovak Philharmonic plays with a lot of flair and excitement to bring this work to a close.

Dvorak's Sixth is undoubtedly a masterpiece, and it's a shame that it's rarely ever heard in the concert hall nowadays. Every movement of this work radiates with highly memorable and joyful tunes, and the Slovak Philharmonic once again brings everything it can to this masterpiece. The first movement is exciting and the second is quite peaceful and relaxed. Once again, the woodwinds are exquisite. The third movement is one of Dvorak's finest Furiants, and Gunzenhauser brings a lot of Slavic flair in performing it, though one could argue that had it been taken at a slightly faster tempo, it would have been perfect. Still, this is an exciting performance, and the woodwinds in the Trio section are an absolute joy to listen to. The fourth movement is played with much joy, and one can sense that the performers really enjoyed playing this work. The sound throughout is outstanding (hard to believe when NAXOS is involved), with a natural concert hall ambience. Overall, this disc is fantastic and is once again a top recommendation for these two neglected masterpieces, even if the price may lead you to think otherwise.

Two unknown masterworks, two master performances............2001-02-11

I believe Dvorak's third symphony was pivotal in his conception of this genre. Upon comparing it to his first and second, one can hear differences in virtuosity and melodic scope but one also hears a first rate account given by this Slovak orchestra. The three movements radiate with texture, complex voicing and rustic fervor. A terrific offering!

The sixth is amazing. Very rarely heard anymore in any concert hall, this symphony is one of Dvorak's finest ever, only comparable to his seventh. The performance here is just as amazing. The woodwinds' work in this Dvorak cycle are unsurpassed as well as Gunzenhauser's ability to balance the orchestral voices. Although he seems to have kept the third movement somewhat reserved, there isn't a single intimate moment lost throughout. The spirit of the score is conveyed quite heartily which makes for enjoyable listening. Great CD!

Dvorak: Symphonies Nos. 6 & 8
Average customer rating:

Classical Music is Different

A Dvorak Conductor not to be Overlooked

Excellent

How is the Sixth Symphony Overlooked So Often?

Dvorak: Symphonies Nos. 6 & 8

Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tracks:

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
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Symphony No. 8 In G Major, Op. 88: 2. Adagio
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Symphony No. 8 In G Major, Op. 88: 4. Allegro ma non troppo

Amazon.com

Brahms was the abiding influence on Dvorák, particularly in his symphonies. But part of Dvorák's genius was his ability to let native folk melodies from various Czech and Slavic sources determine the course of his symphonies. The structuring might be Brahms, but the guts are all Dvorák. You can still hear Brahms in both these two popular symphonies, but only in the framework. Conductor Myung-Whun Chung expertly (and lovingly) shapes the rich melodic lines in such a way that, especially in Symphony no. 8, Brahms becomes a mere specter lurking in the background. Both works contain memorable themes and native melodies and both works rank among the best examples of symphonic romanticism. These are excellent performances and the Deutsche Grammophon sound is superb. --Paul Cook

Customer Reviews:

Classical Music is Different.......2007-03-09

When you buy a cd of a specific pop singer, or R&B or country group, usually you know before hand if you like it or not. With classical music is different. Every time is a bet, you really don't know what you are going to get (if you haven't heard the cd). So many distinct approaches to the same piece. I must say I won this bet. I bought this cd because there was no other version available, but I was impressed with its quality. The right combination of strength and passion. Myung-Whun Chung makes the melodies stroll smoothly over the harmony, like the perfect walk in a park. He seems to understand that virtuosity is unnecessary, the piece speaks by itself. The Sixth Symphony first movement alone worth the buy.

A Dvorak Conductor not to be Overlooked.......2006-03-04

Myung-Whun Chung may not be the first conductor's name that comes to mind for devotees of Dvorak's symphonies, but this recording with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra should change that. Rarely has a conductor found the sunniness and refreshing folk rhythms inherent in Dvorak as has Chung.

The Symphony No. 6 in D major was first published as No. 1 and in many ways it is the most luminous of the cycle. Here Chung uncovers all of the joy and lilting romanticism the '6th' contains. It is a joyous reading. And the same can be said of the Symphony No. 8 first published as No. 4. This is mature Dvorak fully in control of his orchestral language, finding the balance between lyricism and folk melodies that make this one of Dvorak's most popular works.

And so it is a welcome addition to the Dvorak recordings to discover Myung-Whun Chung's masterly approach to these works. Recommended for the standard library of classics! Grady Harp, March 06

Excellent.......2001-10-22

I have not heard any other performance but find this work very energetic and vibrant.

The playing if beautiful and clear. If there is a better recording I would love to know because it would have to be amazing! IHO

How is the Sixth Symphony Overlooked So Often?.......2001-04-24

I fell in love with the sixth symphony when I bought the Dvorak symphony cycle by Kubelik. I loved it even more when I bought the Kertesz set on London. I also bought another recording of it, but with each performance I felt that the conductor was restraining the orchestra and not allowing the symphony to fully expand. This is not the case with the performance by the Vienna Philharmonic with Myung-Whun Chung at the helm. Chung leads this symphony just like it is one of the last three Dvorak symphonies. The result is an experience leaving you with the confusion as to why this symphony is not in the regular repetoire alongside 7, 8, and 9. As usual, the Vienna strings are gorgeous. The sound is crisp and detailed (although recorded at a slightly lower volume than most DG records). Tempi are well judged and the climaxes are allowed full breathing room which in my opinion really lets the symphony shine like it hasn't before.

The 8th Symphony has always been a very favorite of mine in the symphonic repetoire. With its very hummable melodies and terrific finale, it never ceases to impress me as one of the truly fun and great symphonies. Owning six different recordings of this symphony has helped me discern what I like in this symphony over what I don't like. This recording ranks up among my favorites. Particularly, the finale. The french horns are allowed to shine in this movement and they are some of the finest french horn players you'll hear on record.

Dvorak: Symphonies Nos. 4 - 6, etc.
Average customer rating:
Dvorak: Symphonies Nos. 4 - 6, etc.
Kertesz , and London Symphony Orchestra
Manufacturer: Decca/Universal
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00008Y4II
Release Date: 2003-05-12

Tracks:

Symphony No.4 In D Minor, Op.13 - Allegro
Symphony No.4 In D Minor, Op.13 - Andante Sostenuto E Molto Cantabile
Symphony No.4 In D Minor, Op.13 - Scherzo (Allegro Feroce)
Symphony No.4 In D Minor, Op.13 - Finale (Allegro Con Brio)
Symphony No.5 In F, Op.76 - Allegro, Ma Non Troppo
Symphony No.5 In F, Op.76 - Andante Con Moto
Symphony No.5 In F, Op.76 - Scherzo. Allegro Scherzando
Symphony No.5 In F, Op.76 - Allegro Molto
Symphony No.6 In D, Op.60 - Allegro Non Tanto
Symphony No.6 In D, Op.60 - Adagio
Symphony No.6 In D, Op.60 - Scherzo (Furiant: Presto)
Symphony No.6 In D, Op.60 - Finale (Allegro Con Spirito)
Overture In Nature's Realm, Op.91
Carnival Overture, Op.92
Scherzo Capriccioso, Op.66

Average customer rating:

Dvorák: Symphonies Nos. 6 & 7

Manufacturer: Supraphon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Dvorák: Symphonies Nos. 8 & 9 "From the New World"

ASIN: B000NHG7N4
Release Date: 2007-05-29

Average customer rating:

Best Recording of Dvorak Symphonies
I want to give this set 5 stars, but I can't

Dvorák: Symphonies Nos. 4-6

Manufacturer: Supraphon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00008GQ8B
Release Date: 2003-02-25

Customer Reviews:

Best Recording of Dvorak Symphonies.......2004-07-25

The Penguin Guide classical music recording review guide book gave these recordings an unfavorable review. Shame on them! This is absolutely the BEST Dvorak symphony recordings I've ever heard (and I listened to several before finding these). Excellent recorded sound, too. You can hear every part of the orchestra very clearly. What you have here is an excellent Czech orchestra (the Czech Phil is one of the best orchestras in the world, in my opinion), guided by a Czech conductor performing music of a Czech composer. My only complaint is the 5th symphony is divided between 2 CDs, so you have to change discs between the 2nd and 3rd movements in those two symponies. But with playing, interpretation, and recording quality as good as this, it's acceptable. Highly recommended!!

I want to give this set 5 stars, but I can't.......2004-03-30

I was fortunate to own Vaclav Neumann's early recordings on vynil recorded in the early seventies, I think. The Bells of Zionice, no. 1, and the fourth have been my favorites ever since. So when I saw this set on ARKIV I bought the complete nine symphonies.

The reason I want to give this 3 stars is bacause of the micing of the orchestra. The Chech Philharmonic has one of the most beautiful and powereful string sections in the world and it is almost drowned out by the placing of the mics for these recordings. I know that Dvorak loved powerful brass, but the other recordings of this composers works with this orchestra the whole orchestra shines and the string section shines. It does here when you can strain your ears to hear it. There is wonderful nuance and power from the whole orchestra

I did notice that in the first box, the first three sympnonies were recorded later than the second box, this one. The later recordings have the most imbalance so you lose the wonderful nuance of the magnificent playing. I do not think that it is Maestro Neumann, because his other recordings of these early symphonies are just as exciting but the total orchestral timbre shines.

I must say that purchase of this box to listen to the slow movement of the fourth symphony alone is worth it. It is the most beautiful movement of any of his symphonies.

The fifth and the six are so marvelously played yet, again that bugaboo of too spacious of a sound. It is great sound yet I feel as if the microphones are in another building and are recording reflected sound.

I am only revuing this box because the other two are the same and that Maestro Neumann doesn't do that well with the symphonies that are not imbued with the Czheck character as in the first seven. George Szell and the CLO set the standard for the late symphonies

What ever happened to Zdenek Chalabala and his wonderful recordings of the tone poems and overtures with this orchestra?

This truly is a monument to Neumann and the Chech Philharmonic sounds and plays wonderfully, but you have to grit your teeth and strain your ears to hear it.

Customer Reviews:

Mediocre music-making for a good cause.......2006-05-20

The London Sym. pioneered the venture of sponsoring their own record label, which is a good cause in these days of classical music meltdown in the recording studios. And it made sense to feature performances by their (now outgoing) music director, the famous Sir Colin Davis. However, that's about all the good news there is to tell. These readings of Dvorak Sym. #6-9 are as dull as ditchwater. Their gentility and lack of rhythmic vigor are jaw-dropping. Can this really be the incisive, energizing Colin Davis of the Sixties and Seventies? Not remotely, but since he has recorded everything in his repertoire two or three times, you can turn to Davis's far superior Dvorak symphonies on Philips with the Concertgebouw, although even those are too stiad. Meanwhile, we can all sympathize with the Gramophone, which manfully keeps up the Davis legend even as his talent dwindles.

Average customer rating:

Dvorak Symphonies, a wonderful bargain!

Dvorák: Symphonies Nos. 1-9 (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000013IR
Release Date: 1994-02-15

Tracks:

Sym No.1 in c: Allegro - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Sym No.1 in c: Adagio Molto - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Sym No.1 in c: Allegretto - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Sym No.1 in c: Finale: Allegretto - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Legends, Op.59, Nos.1-5: Allegretto - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Legends, Op.59, Nos.1-5: Molto Moderato - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Legends, Op.59, Nos.1-5: Allegro Giusto - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Legends, Op.59, Nos.1-5: Molto Maestoso - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Legends, Op.59, Nos.1-5: Allegro Giusto - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser

Tracks:

Sym No.2 in B, Op.4: Allegro Con Moto - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Sym No.2 in B, Op.4: Poco Adagio - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Sym No.2 in B, Op.4: Scherzo: Allegro Con Brio - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Sym No.2 in B, Op.4: Finale: Allegro Con Fuoco - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Legends Op.59, Nos.6-10: Allegro Con Moto - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Legends Op.59, Nos.6-10: Allegretto Grazioso - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Legends Op.59, Nos.6-10: Un Poco Allegretto E Grazioso - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Legends Op.59, Nos.6-10: Andante Con Moto - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Legends Op.59, Nos.6-10: Andante - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser

Tracks:

Sym No.3 in E Flat, Op.10: Allegro Moderato - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.3 in E Flat, Op.10: Adagio Molto, Tempo Di Marcia - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.3 in E Flat, Op.10: Allegro Vivace - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.6 in D, Op.60: Allegro Non Tanto - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.6 in D, Op.60: Adagio - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.6 in D, Op.60: Scherzo: Furiant: Presto - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.6 in D, Op.60: Finale: Allegro Con Spirito - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser

Tracks:

Sym No.4 in d, Op.13: Allegro - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.4 in d, Op.13: Andante Sostenuto E Molto Cantabile - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.4 in d, Op.13: Scherzo: Allegro Feroce - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.4 in d, Op.13: Finale: Allegro Con Brio - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.8 in G, Op.33: Allegro Con Brio - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.8 in G, Op.33: Adagio - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.8 in G, Op.33: Allegretto Grazioso-Molto Vivace - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.8 in G, Op.33: Allegro, Ma Non Troppo - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser

Tracks:

Sym No.5 in F, Op.76: Allegro, Ma Non Troppo - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.5 in F, Op.76: Andante Con Moto - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.5 in F, Op.76: Andante Con Moto, Quasi L'istesso Tempo-Allegro scherzando - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.5 in F, Op.76: Finale: Allegro Molto - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.7 in d, Op.70: Allegro Maestoso - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.7 in d, Op.70: Poco Adagio - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.7 in d, Op.70: Scherzo: Vivace-Poco Meno Mosso - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.7 in d, Op.70: Finale: Allegro - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser

Tracks:

Sym No.9 'From the New World': Adagio-Allegro Molto - Slovak PO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Sym No.9 'From the New World': Largo - Slovak PO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Sym No.9 'From the New World': Molto Vivace - Slovak PO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Sym No.9 'From the New World': Allegro Con Fuoco - Slovak PO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Symphonic Variations, Op. 78: Theme/Variations 1-27/Finale - Slovak PO/Stephen Gunzenhauser

Customer Reviews:

Dvorak Symphonies, a wonderful bargain!.......2002-03-09

Naxos is undoubtedly contributing more to the popularity and perpetuity of Classical Music more than any other label. They do so by providing the recorded equivalent of "cheap" seats, those that are generally found in the balcony or back rows of the orchestra section in your local concert hall. Naxos provides accommodations that are often among the best in the house, and that are always a great value.

This complete set of Dvorak's nine symphonies would be a wonderful addition to anyone's collection, especially that of a collector on a budget. Though you can find better performances of the later symphonies, particularly the Symphony #9, aka "New World". (I particularly like performances by Kondrashin, on Decca and Reiner, on RCA). However before one can appreciate the subtle differences of a great performance, versus a good or adequate rendering, one needs to be exposed to the music and become familiar with it. With this collection, Naxos has provided a wonderful opportunity for a listener who is not familiar with Dvorak's symphonies to get his or her feet wet. Both the performances and sound quality are good and the price can't be beat. ...

Cliff Coleman

Music Review: