Dvorák: Symphonies Nos. 7 & 8

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Antal Dorati's performances of these two symphonies are so different from each other that it sounds like a completely different orchestra and conductor. The Seventh is a brooding, dark interpretation with magisterial tempos and a thick, Brahmsian orchestra sonority. The Eighth is just the opposite: bright, snappy, and razor-sharp. They make a fascinating contrast, and while this may not be the prime recommendation for this coupling (Szell/Cleveland or Kubelík/Berlin are safer, and throw in the Ninth Symphony as well), it's certainly one with a great deal of character. --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!

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

Average customer rating:

Great value!

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

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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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.

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.

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

Average customer rating:

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

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

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Nine Symphonies
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Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 6 "Pastorale"

ASIN: B000001GL5
Release Date: 1995-01-24

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating:

The Dvorak 8th is a revelation
Get Mercury Living Presence Before Its Dead

Dvorák: Symphonies Nos. 7 & 8

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000057LN
Release Date: 1992-05-12

Tracks:

Symphony No. 7 In D Minor, Op. 70: I Allegro maestoso
Symphony No. 7 In D Minor, Op. 70: II Poco Adagio
Symphony No. 7 In D Minor, Op. 70: III Scherzo Vivace - Poco meno moso
Symphony No. 7 In D Minor, Op. 70: IV Allegro
Symphony No. 8 In G Major, Op. 88: I Allegro con brio
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Symphony No. 8 In G Major, Op. 88: III Allegretto grazioso
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Amazon.com

Antal Dorati's performances of these two symphonies are so different from each other that it sounds like a completely different orchestra and conductor. The Seventh is a brooding, dark interpretation with magisterial tempos and a thick, Brahmsian orchestra sonority. The Eighth is just the opposite: bright, snappy, and razor-sharp. They make a fascinating contrast, and while this may not be the prime recommendation for this coupling (Szell/Cleveland or Kubelík/Berlin are safer, and throw in the Ninth Symphony as well), it's certainly one with a great deal of character. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

The Dvorak 8th is a revelation.......2007-06-25

Let's start off by acknowledging this performance of the Dvorak Symphony #7 as firmly in the Germanic romantic tradition -- dark sonorities, stolid tempos and all. There are many others like it in the catalog.

And then there's Dorati's 8th. It's far different from the others I've heard, and his take on the 1st movement is absolutely the most exciting, edge-of-your-seat performance you're ever likely to hear. I just love the way the giant, monstrous cellos stalk the frightened woodwinds, and just how propulsive everything is. Whereas other conductors tend to take this movement at a leisurely pace and emphasize the "pastoral" elements, Maestro Dorati casts it as fervent, vital Dvorak redolent of his Slavonic Dances. The other three movements of #8 are more conventional; it's clearly the 1st movement that will stick in your mind long after you hear it. The London Symphony players respond to Dorati's razor-sharp direction, and play flawlessly. (They are also fine in the 7th.) This disk is a keeper.

Get Mercury Living Presence Before Its Dead.......2003-06-14

When I first started collecting classical CDs, I only had a few Mercury Living Presence (MLP) titles. In my quest to get the absolute best, or at least a definitive recording, of the major works of the standard repertoire, MLP discs rarely topped the critics' lists. In fact, only three MLP recordings have been earmarked as "Essential Recordings" by amazon -- Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, Byron Janis performing Rachmaninov's 2nd & 3rd Piano Concertos, and Yehudi Menuhin performing Bartok's 2nd Violin Concerto, all three with Antal Dorati as conductor. It is also safe to say that three other titles are equally essential for their historical value alone. They are Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake by Dorati (the first recording of the complete ballet), Janis performing Liszt's Piano Concertos (the first recordings made in the Soviet Union by American technicians, musical staff and equipment), and Kubelik's Chicago Symphony performance of Pictures at an Exhibition (one of, if not the single best mono recording of all-time, and the one that led the New York Times critic to coin the phrase "Living Presence," from which the label named its series). But how does a CD line go from having a half-dozen must have recordings, to being this reviewer's all-time favorite classical label?

The answer: consistently magical performances, captured in brilliant golden-age stereo sound, that offer a slightly different take on your typical interpretation of the great works. While MLP titles may not offer the best standard account of a work, they always surprise you and open you up to all the possibilities that the music has to offer. For example, this performance of Dvorak's 7th and 8th Symphonies by Dorati may not be the consensus first choice recording -- that would probably be the Szell or Kubelik as Mr. Hurwitz suggested above. But I constantly come back to this disc for a different perspective, and its vibrancy and splendor never disappoint me. Maybe that is why collectors prize these recordings, because they offer refreshment in a homogenized world of listening. Of course, collectors love a challenge too, and MLP CDs are becoming increasingly hard to find. It has taken years for me to finally find all of the MLP CDs released to date, and unfortunately I don't think there will be any new releases forthcoming. So collectors, and even those who aspire to be, should pick up as many Mercury Living Presence discs as possible now, before they all die.

Antonín, Dvorák: Symphonies Nos. 7 & 9 "From the New World"
Average customer rating:

Great performances of two great symphonies.

Antonín, Dvorák: Symphonies Nos. 7 & 9 "From the New World"

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000029KQ
Release Date: 1994-06-14

Tracks:

Sym No.7 in d, Op.70: I. Allegro Maestoso
Sym No.7 in d, Op.70: II. Poco Adagio
Sym No.7 in d, Op.70: III. Scherzo, Vivace
Sym No.7 in d, Op.70: IV. Finale Allegro

Tracks:

Sym No.9 in e, Op.95 'From The New World': I. Adagio - Allegro Molto
Sym No.9 in e, Op.95 'From The New World': II. Largo
Sym No.9 in e, Op.95 'From The New World': III. Scherzo, Molto Vivace
Sym No.9 in e, Op.95 'From The New World': IV. Allegro Con Fuoco

Customer Reviews:

Great performances of two great symphonies........2002-10-29

Carlo Maria Giulini, while not as famous as some "star" conductors, was one of the truly great conductors of the 20th century. Giulini had a genius -- shared by few other conductors -- for revealing all of the details and nuances of a symphony or other composition while presenting it as a coherent whole. And Giulini was particularly outstanding as a conductor of Dvorak. This 2-CD set presents not only Dvorak's justly-famous Symphony No. 9, "From the New World," but also his less well known, but equally great, Symphony No. 7 -- which could well be subtitled Autumnal. The performances of these symphonies by Giulini and the great Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam are truly monumental. I have never heard finer performances of these two great symphonies. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Dvorák: Symphonies Nos. 6 & 7

Manufacturer: Supraphon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

ASIN: B000NHG7N4
Release Date: 2007-05-29

Average customer rating:

Bohemian highlights
A GOOD CD FOR YOUR DVORAK COLLECTION
Fiery and folksy fifth.....subdued and subtle seventh

Dvorák: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 7

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Dvorák: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 8
Dvorák: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 6
Dvorák: Symphony No. 1; Legends Nos. 1-5
Dvorák: Symphony No. 2; Legends Nos. 6-10

ASIN: B0000013NV
Release Date: 1994-02-15

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

Bohemian highlights.......2007-07-08

Antonin Dvorak (1841 - 1904): Symphony No. 5 in F Major, Op. 76; Symphony Nr. 7 in D Minor, Op. 70. Performed by the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, directed by Stephen Gunzenhauser. Recorded at the Reduta Concert Hall in Bratislava, Slovakia, in February, 1989. Released in 1989 as Naxos 8.550270. Total playing time: 75'33".

This is another great disc in the Naxos Dvorak symphony series. I have just been listening to this over AKG 701 headphones connected to a Benchmark DAC 1 converter, and I was amazed at the sound quality which Naxos provide at such a paltry price. And it was this sound quality which allowed me to listen closely to this excellent performance by the Slovakian Philharmonic Orchestra, a team which obviously has Dvorak in its blood. There is some absolutely gorgeous woodwind playing here, but I also found myself delighting in the celli which occasionally come to the forefront. Symphony No. 5 appears particularly well done; I haven't compared this to any other interpretation, but I found myself glued to my equipment while the CD was playing, not wanting to miss any of this great music with its wonderful Bohemian flavour (it made me think of a cruise down the Danube I made a couple of years back). This is really excellent!
Symphony No. 7 is probably also Bohemian, but it is also obviously influenced by Brahms, the clarinets and horns making for a slightly more sombre sound than in most of Dvorak's other movements, although I found the Scherzo to offer some light relief despite Keith Anderson's insistence that it "preserves the darker mood" of the whole work. All in all, I would say that unless you are an absolute Dvorak expert you are likely to find only positive aspects here on this CD, another Naxos highlight.

A GOOD CD FOR YOUR DVORAK COLLECTION.......2005-09-26

Symphonies 5 and 7 show Dvorak's range of creativity. On one hand, Symphony No. 5 is a happy symphony with plenty of Bohemian folk melodies. On the other hand, Symphony No 7 is a dark, somber symphony with emotional outbursts.

Symphony No. 5 is rarely played, whereas Symphony No. 7 is often played and is considered one of Dvorak's great symphonies. It is a shame that Smyphony No 5 is not played more often and recorded by more artists.

Stephen Gunzenhauser conducts both symphonies well. He is particularly good at interpreting Symphony No. 7 with its emotional highs and lows.

Fiery and folksy fifth.....subdued and subtle seventh.......2001-02-26

This reading of the fifth is quite a joy to listen to. It seems, more so in this symphony than in the previous four, that Dvorak persued a truly "folk" element. A lot of the 'furiant' and 'polka' qualities of his later works are blossoming everywhere in this opus. The Slovak orchestra responds admirably to Gunzenhauser and the score. I think of endless fields of trees, grasses and flowers on a sunny day filled with dancing people when I listen to this. Excellent!!!! 5 stars!

The recording of the seventh, colorful and intricate as this reading may be, gets too pedantic at times. It's almost as if Gunzenhauser doesn't want to give away the secret of Dvorak's most masterful work and that is its ability to exist singly without much investigation. I would have to give this reading "3" stars because I have heard better. Although the woodwinds, again, play wonderfully, this seventh is probably the least notable of this cycle.

Dvorak: Symphonies Nos. 7,8, & 9 New World
Average customer rating:

Dvorak grandioso

The Best Seventh

Davis & Dvorak - Not So Bad

3 Stars for the 7th

I wanted to like this, but. . .

Dvorak: Symphonies Nos. 7,8, & 9 New World

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00000416E
Release Date: 1993-10-12

Tracks:

Symphony No. 7 In D Minor, Op.70: Allegro maestoso - A. Dvorak
Symphony No. 7 In D Minor, Op.70: Poco adagio - A. Dvorak
Symphony No. 7 In D Minor, Op.70: Scherzo (Vivace) - A. Dvorak
Symphony No. 7 In D Minor, Op.70: Finale (Allegro) - A. Dvorak
Symphony No. 8 In G, Op.88: Allegro con brio - A. Dvorak
Symphony No. 8 In G, Op.88: Adagio - A. Dvorak
Symphony No. 8 In G, Op.88: Allegretto grazioso - A. Dvorak
Symphony No. 8 In G, Op.88: Allegro ma non troppo - A. Dvorak

Tracks:

Symphony No. 9 In E Minor, Op.95 (From The New World): Adagio - Allegro Molto - Dvorak
Symphony No. 9 In E Minor, Op.95 (From The New World): Largo - Dvorak
Symphony No. 9 In E Minor, Op.95 (From The New World): Scherzo (Molto Vivace) - Dvorak
Symphony No. 9 In E Minor, Op.95 (From The New World): Allegro Con Fuoco - Dvorak
Symphonic Variations, Op. 78: Theme - Dvorak
Symphonic Variations, Op. 78: Variations 1-27 - Dvorak
Symphonic Variations, Op. 78: Finale - Dvorak

Amazon.com

The outstanding performance here is the Seventh--one of the best, beautifully played by this great orchestra. The other two symphonies are also very well done, if perhaps a bit overshadowed, but that's what happens when one performance is so overwhelming. It's a fault you can live with. The package is topped off by a compelling version of the neglected but magnificent Symphonic Variations. An appealing package, then, at a twofer price. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Dvorak grandioso.......2004-12-03

Las tres ultimas sinfonias de Dvorak son un festin genial desbordante de fuerza, energia y sonidos increibles, Colin Davis sabe de energia pero pierde un poco de originalidad,de la Orquesta del Royal Concertgebouw no hay mucho que decir es portentosa y suena impecable, la septima es brillante y suena mejor aun, la octava que es una riquisima expresion de sonidos a plenitud esta un poco suave y la novena que es una de las grandes obras de la musica suena genial. Por cierto lo mejor del CD ademas de la septima son las variaciones sinfonicas que suenan impactantes, hay que decirlo la Orquesta sinfonica de Londres es impresionante en estructura y sonido, y lo hace notar.
Para la novena mi recomendacion es Ormandy con esta misma orquesta, para la octava Rowicki (tambien con LSO), la septima es casi una de las mejores.
Para los amantes de la musica un CD que se añade a la coleccion por su fuerza y brillantes, para los fanaticos lo escucharan disfrutaran de mucho de sus pasajes y seguiran la busqueda de la interpretacion perfecta.

The Best Seventh.......2003-09-26

I have to admit that I think Dvorak's Seventh is not only his greatest symphony but one of the greatest by any composer. I have many versions (Kubelik, Rowicki, Giulini, etc.) and have heard it in concert many times (Davis, Haitink, Fischer etc.) but this interpretation is for me the standard. It has the unique combination of urgency, spontineity and a nationalistic spirit not unlike Davis' Sibelius/BSO cycle of the same era. Dvorak, unlike Brahms, seems to allow, even invite, a wide range of interpretation, and virtually all the CD performances offer illumination of the many aspects of this work, but Davis, with great playing and sound, is at the top. The two other symphonies, which have their moments, and the Symphonic Variations 'encore' make this one of the great CD bargains.

Davis & Dvorak - Not So Bad.......2003-07-20

There are clearly better choices available when it comes to inexpensive 2CD sets of Dvorak's last three symphonies than this title by Colin Davis. In fact, there is even a better one in the very same Philips Duo series -- the one by Witold Rowicki and the London Symphony Orchestra (see my review). Other better buys are the Giulini on EMI Double Forte (not the horridly slow Sony title that was mentioned below), Von Dohnanyi on Double Decca, and Kubelik on DG (see my review of the box set of the Nine Symphonies). With that being said, this set is really not so terrible. I think we all feel a little let down by Davis because so many of his other Philips Duo offerings are among the best of any given work available -- the Complete Sibelius Symphonies, Haydn "London" Symphonies and Beethoven Piano Concertos to name a few. Oh well, you can't hit a home run at every at bat.

3 Stars for the 7th.......2001-03-15

If you are looking for a great 7th then this is the best I have heard, good pace, great rhythm and flow and very beautiful, it has a fresh and direct feel to it. The 8th is average and the 9th is very disappointing, so do not buy this if you are looking for a good all-round set or first Dvorak set. Dohnanyi's Cleveland performances are all magnificent with excellent sound, warmer recordings than Davis - particularly the 9th.

I wanted to like this, but. . ........2001-01-20

Davis is a matter-of-fact interpreter of these wonderful scores.

The seventh is the best of the lot, but, there are a lot of good sevenths out there; Dohnanyi is not to be missed with the unpareiled Cleveland in terrific sound. His eigth is very exciting, if a little emotionally more remote; however, compared to Davis, it's terrific. Neither can compare to the genius of Walter's recording with Columbia Sym on Sony, though.

The ninth here is absolutely nothing special, at all. Again, Dohnanyi gives you a better deal, but so do so many others: Stokowski (RCA), Slatkin (Telarc), Kertesz (Vienna, London), Neumann (various), etc. etc.

You do get wonderful playing from the Concertgebouw, and although the engineering is fine, I could never warm up to it.