Dvorák: Symphonies Nos. 8 & 9

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
A lovely recording, yet another reminder of the magnificent Indian summer in which Bruno Walter came out of his retirement in California to make stereo recordings of some of his favorite pieces for the last time. The orchestra consisted of the best of Hollywood's studio musicians, and by all accounts they loved working with the old man--and he with them. You can certainly tell. --David Hurwitz

Tracks:

Stuck In The Saddle Again (Light Cavalry March, Suppe)
Sing Verdi Very Loud (La donna e mobile, from Rigoletto, Verdi)
Its The Same Every Verse (In The Hall of The Mountain King, from Peer Gynt Suite, Grieg)
Musical Bs (Hungarian Dance #5, Brahms)
Dont Play That Violin (Violin Concerto #2, Paganini)
Schuberts Trout (Trout Quintet, Schubert)
Dvorak The Czechoslovak (Humoresque #7, Dvorak)
A Fan of Chopin (Prelude 7, Op. 28, Chopin)
Please Do Not Tease The Viennese (Blue Danube Waltz, Strauss)
Its Spring! (Spring, from The Four Seasons, Vivaldi)
Wow What a Wedding Cake (Wedding March, from A Midsummer Nights Dream,. Mendelssohn)
Instrumental Performances:
Light Cavalry March, Suppe
La donna e mobile, from Rigoletto, Verdi (with vocals)
In The Hall of The Mountain King, from Peer Gynt Suite, Grieg
Hungarian Dance #5, Brahms
Violin Concerto #2, Paganini
Trout Quintet, Schubert
Humoresque #7, Dvorak
Prelude 7, Op. 28, Chopin
Blue Danube Waltz, Strauss
Spring, from The Four Seasons, Vivaldi

Amazon.com

From a pure-pleasure standpoint, the first Beethoven's Wig was nothing to flip over, and the second disc in the series follows suit. However, that is not to say that this is not a valuable and possibly ingenious record. Those unfamiliar with the premise will quickly get the picture: Producer/writer/lead singer/chief clever guy Richard Perlmutter gathers a bundle of important classical works (Paganini's "Violin Concerto #2," Strauss' "Blue Danube Waltz") and makes up silly, catchy lyrics to lay over them, informing the listener about the piece or its composer. Standing out for their offbeat brilliance this time are "Dvorak the Czechoslovak" ("Humoresque #7," Dvorak) and "Wow What a Wedding Cake" (Wedding March from A Midsummer Night's Dream, Mendelssohn). Few stabs at mixing education with entertainment succeed so well. As a bonus, the second half of the CD repeats the symphonies straight up, presenting a neat opportunity to quiz kids 5-12 on what and who they've just heard. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Greatest baby gift ever.......2007-03-15

Both of my grandchildren (and their parents and grandparents) are hooked on this CD and all of the silliness and beauty it brings into our lives. We sing to it, dance to it, and find ourselves thinking about it at odd times. Who can't love singing Verdi VERY LOUD? I've now started giving this as a simple baby gift, especially to those with older siblings. They are already equipped with clothing and nursery gear, and Beethoven's Wig invites the whole family to gather round...even if it is just on short car rides.

Great for the whole family.......2007-01-04

My husband, 18 month old daughter and I all love this CD. It's a staple in the car. One caveat- these lyrics will get stuck in your head and I now find myself singing the "words" to these songs when I hear them in a store or commercial! I'm hoping this means my daughter will recognize these songs as she gets older.

More Great Fun.......2006-03-13

Like the first volume, this CD encourages young children to enjoy classical music. The silly lyrics sometimes impart factual information on the composer or the piece. There are 11 sing-along symphonies and then the 11 symphonies are replayed without the lyrics--total of 22 tracks. Booklet with lyrics and trivia is included. All our children (aged 2-12) enjoy this CD, as do we.

One is better but this is still awesome!! Gotta have it!.......2006-01-10

My children loved Beethovens Wig 1. I checked this one out at the library. Then, we decided we had to have this one too.
Yes, one is the best but 2 is still wonderful.
Save yourself the shipping and order both at the same time.
We all thoroughly enjoy it. My 4 yr old can name these classicals when he hears them elsewhere and he can hum these beautiful songs. Much better than kiddie rhymes and Disney jingles. Culture your children the funniest way!!

Absolute joy, and endless fun!.......2005-11-15

The tunes and word stay with you and before you know it, you are signing them along. My two kids (ages 9 and 7) ask me to put the CD on as soon as we get into the car. What a wonderful and fun way to get them to love classical music!

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music

Average customer rating:

CD set is misnamed
Do not Buy
Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music
Seek better versions
It Is What It Is

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music

Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits
25 Classical Favorites
25 Romantic Classics
The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!
The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe

ASIN: B000003QWH
Release Date: 1994-06-09

Tracks:

Canon In D
'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 3: Allegro
The Four Seasons - The Winter: Largo And Allegro
Fanfare ('Masterpiece Theatre' Theme)
Camerata Romana: Air For The 'G' String
'Eine kleine Nachtmusik': Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 21 ('Elvira Madigan' Theme): Andante
Introduction To Symphony No. 5
'William Tell' Overture: Finale
'Aida': Triumphal March
On The Beautiful, Blue Danube Waltz
'The Nutcracker': Waltz Of The Flowers
'1812' Overture: Finale

Tracks:

Sabre Dance
'Light Cavalry' Overture: Finale
Carmen: The Toreadors
' Midsummer Night's Dream': Wedding March
Radetzky March
Symphony No. 9, 'Choral': Finale
'Prince Igor': Polovstian Dance No. 17
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Peer Gynt: Solveig's Song
Sleepers, Wake
Water Music: Hornpipe
Symphony No. 9, 'From The New World': Largo
Emperor Waltz
'Emperor' Quartet: St. Anthony's Chorale
'The Tales Of Hoffman': Barcarolle
L'Arlesienne: Farandole
'The Nutcracker': Dance Of The Mirlitons
'The Nutcracker': Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy
'Rhapsody In Blue': Highlight
'Orpheus In The Underworld': Can-Can

Tracks:

Introduction To 'Also sprach Zarathustra'
Symphony No. 4, 'Italian': Saltarello: Presto
Piano Concerto No. 20: Romance
'The Valkyrie': Ride Of The Valkyries
'The Four Seasons' - The Spring: Allegro
Toccata and Fugue
Trumpet Voluntary
'Royal Fireworks Music': la rejouissance: Allegro
'Moonlight' Sonata: Adagio Sostenuto
London Festival Orchestra: Overture To 'The Barber Of Seville'
Piano Concerto No. 2: Adagio Sostenuto

Tracks:

Carmina Burana: Introduction To 'Carmina Burana'
Peer Gynt: Dawn From 'Peer Gynt'
Lohengrin: Prelude To 'Lohengrin'
'Lieutenant Kije': Troika From 'Lieutenant Kije'
Adiago For Strings
'Carmen': Habanera From 'Carmen'
'Double' Concerto: Allegro From 'Double' Concerto
The Marriage Of Figaro: Overture To 'The Marriage Of Figaro'
(Rondo) Alla Turca
Xerxes: Largo From 'Xerxes'
Symphony No. 5: Allegro vivace From Symphony No. 5
'Swan Lake': Scene: Enchanted Lake From 'Swan Lake'
Clair De Lune
Bolero

Customer Reviews:

CD set is misnamed.......2007-06-08

They should have titled this "classical music for people who love classical music" because most of the selections are typical classical music. The title suggests it would be lively selections of "light classical" music that is more upbeat, i.e. Sabre Dance, etc. I really don't hate classical music at all and have many classical CDs in my collection but I really wanted to hear more exciting selections. I won't be purchasing any more of this set but if you like traditional classical music these are good one.

Do not Buy.......2007-02-21

I do know it says classical music for people who hate it, but serioulsly you would have better luck never listening to classical music again. The recordings are awfull and do not do justice to any of the composers. Buy something else.

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music.......2007-01-30

We love this set of CD's. I just got a new copy because my kids keeping taking our first copy with them so that they can listen at work or in their bedrooms but then I can never find them.

Seek better versions.......2006-12-09

If you are fairly new to classical purchases then compilation CD's can be useful for deciding what to buy next. Sometimes you only need a small taste of a piece to inspire you to buy a release with the whole performance on. The problem with this compilation however is that most of the versions are poor in performance or recording quality (or both) when compared to the best versions and the fact that the conductors aren't even credited on the track listing made me suspect that this would be the case. One of my favorite classical pieces is Tchaikovsky's 1812 festival overture but if the first CD version I had heard had been the finale excerpt that is on this compilation I may not have gone on to buy the whole thing. Luckily I heard Adrian Leaper's version first and Adrian's version is rather good.
My classical CD buying experience is limited to only a couple of dozen discs but I have found that the Naxos and Deutshe Grammophon releases are fairly safe. Avoid any release which does not name the conductors on the track listing or sleeve notes.

It Is What It Is.......2006-10-27

It's fitting that this page is fraught with the same kind of silly snobbery that turns people off from classical music (and necessitates collections like this) in the first place.

Any criticism of this compilation, which focuses on the quality of the performances or the fact that many tracks are excerpts, misses the point. This is not a collection for people who consider such things, nor does it purport to be. The idea is to package as many ultra-famous classical melodies as possible in one affordable collection and market it to people who have never purchased a classical recording. As such, top-tier performances are likely too expensive to be sold so cheaply and are unnecessary anyway. Those of us who already know and love a piece or two can forgive the compilers the inclusion of sub-par recordings, when we are exposed to so many other beautiful pieces for the first time.

It probably comes as a shock for some to hear that most people are not familiar with these classics. We may hear snippets on TV or movies, but are left with no idea as to the composer or historical context. With that in mind, it is extremely intimidating to begin buying classical. I suppose those among us, who so thoroughly dismissed the very notion of a boxed set like this, would have us begin by buying full albums by reputable interpreters. Surprisingly enough though, the majority of people would consider that a tad cost-prohibitive.

To conclude, this is a STARTER collection. It will either affirm a listener's feelings about classical music or lead to an interest in purchasing better recordings. Ideally, I suppose the interpretations would be better, but, for reasons mentioned above, that just isn't in the cards for a collection of this nature. If you're familiar with 50 different recordings of "The Ring" series, or have season tickets to the New York Philharmonic, then this probably isn't for you. For us cretins with limited foreknowledge of classical music though, it serves as a succinct introduction with little to complain about.

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

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Great value!

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

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Ludwig van Beethoven: The 9 Symphonies - Arturo Toscanini / NBC Symphony Orchestra
Schubert: Symphonies Nos. 1-6, 8 & 9

ASIN: B000A6T2KI
Release Date: 2005-09-06

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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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ASIN: B000003FPT
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

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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.

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

Average customer rating:

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

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0009NDKX2
Release Date: 2005-08-16

Tracks:

I. Allegro Con Brio
II. Adagio
III. Allegretto Grazioso
IV. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
I. Adagio - Allegro Molto
II. Largo
III. Scherzo: Molto Vivace
IV. Allegro Con Fuoco

Average customer rating:

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

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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.

Dvorák: Symphonies Nos. 8 & 9
Average customer rating:

Catching

Best recorded SACD I have heard - superb!

Dvorák: Symphonies Nos. 8 & 9
Dvorak , Fischer , and Bfo
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000079BGE
Release Date: 2003-01-14

Customer Reviews:

Catching.......2007-04-05

This CD is wonderful. The SACD recording is one of the best I've ever heard

Best recorded SACD I have heard - superb!.......2004-04-23

It's not often I give 5 stars, so let me tell you why.

I have had the normal stereo CD for a few years and concur with nearly all reviewers that this is a quite outstanding version of the Eighth, played with superb style, power and elegance by the Budapest FO under Fischer.

The Ninth is also excellent - not a first choice for me, but with so many fine versions of these symphonies from Talich, Kubelik, Szell, Karajan, Bernstein, Walter and others, there can't really be a top choice.

What sets this SACD apart (and the reason I passed on the original CD and bought this new format) is the quite superb DSD 5 channel recording it enjoys, as the original recording was actually made in multi-channel format.

I have played this CD to several people who might naturally be cynical about this new format, but all were stunned by the depth, range and realism of the soundstage. The sonority of string tone, the clarity and placement of wind solos, the sheer panoply of orchestral sound are presented to the listener in a way I have never heard other than in a fine concert hall. This SACD genuinely sounds like the orchestra are laid before you, playing these two great works. Phenomenal, there's no other word for it.

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.