Dvorak: Othello Overture / Symphony No.9

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Odd that Abbado has never recorded the New World symphony until now. While this isn't a life-changing performance, it offers a refreshing, direct approach, with the Berlin Philharmonic leaving no doubt they're still a world-class outfit. Abbado relishes the tensions and contrasts of the opening movement, giving the introduction a timeless lyricism and the dramatic conclusion a real emotional surge. The famous Largo is taken simply and affectingly, with the music's aching nostalgia never lapsing into sentimentality. After a dynamic, pulsating scherzo, the finale launches into action and maintains excitement right until the close--one Ninth Symphony, which you feel the composer had no hang-up about being his last. As a coupling, there's the rarely heard Othello overture, Dvorák's heart-on-sleeve response to Shakespeare's play and not unlike a rerun of Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet--without the tune. Almost contemporary with the symphony, it makes a telling lead-in and enhances the attractions of the disc overall. --Richard Whitehouse

Customer Reviews:

breakdown by cd........2007-01-14

CD1-7:SYMPHONIES 1-9

CD8:PIANO CONCERTO

CD9:VIOLIN CONCERTO & CELLO CONCERTO

CD10-11:REQUIEM

CD12-13:STABAT MATER

CD14:PIANO TRIOS OP.90 "DUMKY" & 21

CD15:PIANO TRIOS OP.65 & 26

CD16:PIANO QUARTETS

CD17:PIANO QUINTETS

CD18:STRING QUINTETS

CD19-20:MUSIC FOR VIOLIN AND PIANO

C21:SERENADE/HAUSMUSIK

CD22-31:THE COMPLETE STRING QUARTETS

CD32:SLAVONIC DANCES OP.46 & 72

CD33:PIANO DUET SLAVONIC DANCES

CD34:PIANO DUET LEGENDS FROM THE BOHEMIAN FOREST

CD35:PIANO WORKS

CD36-37:RUSALKA

CD38-40:SYMPHONIC POEMS

I'm not a music expert.......2005-08-25

I don't know too much about music. I own over 700 cds, but I don't play music and I don't have much experience with this music. My only point of reference was the ninth symphony, seeing as every other piece in this box set was new to me. It sounds fine, nothing wrong with it as far as I can see.

Now, here's what you'll get in this box set, seeing as Amazon does not give it a description. 40 cds! no joke, you get 40 cds in this box set. It features:
1. Complete symphonies
2. Complete symphonic poems
3. Cello concerto
4. Piano concerto
5. Violin concerto
6. Requiem
7. Stabat Mater
8. Slavonic Dances
9. Complete String quartets
10. Chamber music
11. Piano Works (solo and duet)
12. Rusalka

As far as I can tell, the only things missing are The Spectre's Bride and Jacobin. Seeing as it is 40 cds, i have not had an opportunity to listen to it, however what i have heard i have been quite satisfied with.

Dvorak: Symphony no 9 / Kertsz, London Symphony Orchestra (Penguin Music Classics Series)

Average customer rating:

A robust, exciting 'New World,' but not the best of Kertesz's cycle
Wonderful recording of a remarkable work.
all recordings are excellent but GET IT FOR "OTHELLO"!
Fair, but Decca should re-issue the finest "New World" !
Found it emotionally flat

Dvorak: Symphony no 9 / Kertsz, London Symphony Orchestra (Penguin Music Classics Series)
Wendy Wasserstein
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
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Saint-Saëns: Symphony No.3/Debussy: La Mer/Ibert: Escales

ASIN: B00000AFQN
Release Date: 1998-09-29

Tracks:

Symphony no. 9 in E minor, op.95 'From the New World': I Adagio - Allegro molto
Symphony no. 9 in E minor, op.95 'From the New World': II Largo
Symphony no. 9 in E minor, op.95 'From the New World': III Scherzo
Symphony no. 9 in E minor, op.95 'From the New World': IV Allegro con fuoco
Othelo: Overture, op.93
Overture, op.92

Amazon.com essential recording

This entry in the new Penguin Music Classics collection presents one of the best readings of Dvorák's Ninth, From the New World. In her liner essay, playwright Wendy Wasserstein--author of the acclaimed Heidi Chronicles--describes playing the Ninth at blaring volumes on her discman as she traversed downtown Prague. And this is exactly how the music should be heard: loud. Dvorák's Ninth is, of course, so frequently played that it can become cumbersome, but Istvan Kertész and the London Symphony Orchestra play the score wonderfully, tender in the Largo and pouncing in the Molto vivace. This performance gives off pristine string and brass architectural detail even as the Ninth swoons in romantic washes and blasts in robust high energy. And there are few crescendos as brilliant as the Allegro section, with the brass crying out as if from the precipice between Dvorák's centuries-old Prague and the young, multiracial United States. Much has been made of the presence of Native American and African-American strains in this piece, and these elements make it one of the 19th century's acknowledged gems. The Ninth was a huge splash for Dvorák when he unloosed it in 1893 at Carnegie. Wasserstein relates how it invigorated her as a high school student in 1966, and it still electrifies listeners in 1998. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

A robust, exciting 'New World,' but not the best of Kertesz's cycle.......2006-05-16

I enjoyed the loopy Amazon review, but to my ears this is a fairly conventional Dvorak Sym. #9, done in Kertesz's characteristic style, with plenty of excitement, freshness, and robust attack. But if you listen to the Carnival Over. first, you hear that extra dash of spontaneity and inspiration lacking in the symphony. (Ditto the excellent Othello Over.) Kertesz does best with the Scherzo, taken hell-for-leather at the outset, and the first movement, which feels genuinely committed. I got very little from the thrice-familiar Largo, however, and the finale, while energetic, never quite builds to the exuberant climax it deamnds. I am eager to hear Kertesz's earlier version with the Vienna Phil. recommended so highly in a review below.

Wonderful recording of a remarkable work........2005-10-08

Who knew that Penguin, powerhouse publisher of classic literary works, produced CDs? I didn't until this particular recording of the Symphony from the New World was recommended to me. So far I have only managed to listen to it on my computer and even the sub-par speakers can not mask the richness of this recording. I look forward to many listening sessions on a real audio system. And you can't beat the price.

all recordings are excellent but GET IT FOR "OTHELLO"!.......2005-01-23

This compilation of Dvorak's masterpieces is really good and all of them worth listening. Istvan Kertesz, who recorded all orchestral works of Dvorak for Decca Classics, is one of the most perfect performers of music of the composer. The recording, sound quality is very good.

But, I think the another star of this CD -with the "New World"- is Othello Overture. OK, Carnival Overture is brilliant, colourful, but Othello is my favourite. It has typic Dvorakian rhtymic combinations, dark colours. This overture describes very succesful of Othello's hesitations, suspicions and jealous, loathing about his wife, Desdemona because of (as you know), Othello thinks that she to cheats him. And later Othello nodes Desdemona at her bed, but then Othello learns that, she was innocent because all of this affair is the plan of Iago, who the assistant of Othello. And so, Othello pays with kill himself... And this overture is very dramatic, romantic and a masterwork. London Symphony under the baton of Kertesz played very sensitive, emotional, impressive.

This is an essential recording. Highly recommended for any Dvorakians and music lovers.

Fair, but Decca should re-issue the finest "New World" !.......2002-07-11

This is the second rendering of Dvorak's Ninth by Kertesz. The first was recorded close to 1960 on the same London/Decca label with the Vienna Philharmonic. I wish I could feel as exuberant about recommending this more recent London Symphony version; however, while the playing is competent, the interpretation is missing those attributes that made the earlier Vienna version so non-pareil. For starters, one reviewer hits it right on the nose---this London Symphony account "seems flat", that is, in comparison to the Vienna, which serves up in spades an aura of poetic nostalgia, panoramic vistas and sweeping dynamics. And the recorded sound is absolutely wonderful. I've heard a lot of "New Worlds", but the Kertesz/Vienna Philharmonic matches, for me, the ideal of what this work should sound like. Why Decca has not reissued it in its Legendary Performances series, I don't know. If and when they do, get it immediately, and you will see/hear what I mean. However, in the absence of the Kertesz/Vienna version, I would go with the sensitive Walter/Columbia Symphony performance.

Found it emotionally flat.......2002-01-05

At most three stars. Can't go with the other reviewers. I'm all for a rousing, full volume New World Symphony, and no doubt this rendition has its virtues, but seems that these chaps actually pound it flat. Emotional effect lost somewhere. Still clearly tops by me and something beyond is Fritz Reiner and The Chicago Symphony (RCA).... Also those essays Penquin includes with its liner material are pretty much a waste.

Average customer rating:

Splendid Dvorak 9th Symphony From Ashkenazy, CPO
GOING HOME SLOW

Symphony 9 / 3 Overtures
Dvorak , Ashkenazy , and Czech Philharmonic
Manufacturer: Ondine
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000646FH
Release Date: 2002-06-25

Tracks:

Adagio - Allegro Molto
Largo
Scherzo: Molto Vivace
Allegro Con Fuoco

Tracks:

In Nature's Realm, Op. 91
Carnival, Op. 92
Othello, Op. 93

Customer Reviews:

Splendid Dvorak 9th Symphony From Ashkenazy, CPO.......2003-08-01

There's been a few great recordings issued of Dvorak's 9th Symphony in recent years, with highest honors going to those with Abbado and Harnoncourt conducting the Berlin Philharmonic and Royal Concertgebouw orchestras. Although this one pales in sound quality with these, it should be regarded as a first rate version due to the excellent collaboration between Vladimir Ashkenazy and the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. The Czech Philharmonic Orchestra still retains much of the rich, warm tone prevalent in such Eastern European orchestras as the Leipzig Gewandhaus, Berlin Staatskapelle, and especially, Dresden Staatskapelle. And true to the spirit of their illustrious Czech musical forebear, the orchestra plays its hearts on its sleeve, creating one of the most haunting versions of the Largo I have yet heard. Ashkenazy does a splendid job leading the orchestra, though some, such as this reviewer, would have enjoyed a more spirited, innovative interpretation such as Harnoncourt's. The second CD contains three of Dvorak's tone poems and overtures; these are also well played by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. Anyone in search of a fine recent recording of the Dvorak 9th Symphony won't be disappointed with this 2 CD set.

GOING HOME SLOW.......2002-08-28

Dvorak's New World Symphony is my all time favorite symphony. Ashkenazy gets it right by playing Going Home soft and gentle though he picks up in the Scherzo with Molto vivace. In Nature's Realm has the Czech's natural flair for the dramatic. Carnival is a joy. The CD coupling had only one left from Amazon, so get it while you can.

Tracks:

The Wild Dove, Op.110
Sym No.1 in c: I. Allegro
Sym No.1 in c: II. Adagio Molto
Sym No.1 in c: III. Allegretto
Sym No.1 in c: IV. Finale: Allegretto

Tracks:

Sym No.2 in B flat, Op.4: I. Allegro Con Moto
Sym No.2 in B flat, Op.4: II. Poco Adagio
Sym No.2 in B flat, Op.4: III. Allegro Con Brio
Sym No.2 in B flat, Op.4: IV. Finale: Allegro Con Fuoco Alla Breve
My Home (Domov Mui) Ov, Op.62: Andante/Maestoso/Quasi Andante/Allegro Vivace

Tracks:

Sym No.3 in E flat, Op.10: I. Allegro Moderato
Sym No.3 in E flat, Op.10: II. Adagio Molto, Tempo Di Marcia
Sym No.3 in E flat, Op.10: III. Finale (Allegro Vivace)
Scherzo Capriccioso, Op.66
Carnival Ov, Op.92

Tracks:

Othello, Op.93: Ov
Sym No.4 in d, Op.13: I. Allegro
Sym No.4 in d, Op.13: II. Andante Sostenuto E Molto Cantabile
Sym No.4 in d, Op.13: III. Scherzo: Allegro Feroce
Sym No.4 in d, Op.13: IV. Finale: Allegro Con Brio

Tracks:

Czech Ste, Op.39: I. Allegro Moderato
Czech Ste, Op.39: II. Allegro Grazioso
Czech Ste, Op.39: III. Allegro Giusto
Czech Ste, Op.39: IV. Andante Con Moto
Czech Ste, Op.39: V. Presto
Sym No.5 in F, Op.76: I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Sym No.5 in F, Op.76: II. Andante Con Moto
Sym No.5 in F, Op.76: III. Scherzo: Allegro Scherzando
Sym No.5 in F, Op.76: IV. Finale: Allegro Molto

Tracks:

In Nature's Realm Ov, Op.91: Allegro, Ma Non Troppo
Sym No.6 in D, Op.60: I. Allegro Non Tanto
Sym No.6 in D, Op.60: II. Adagio
Sym No.6 in D, Op.60: III. Scherzo
Sym No.6 in D, Op.60: IV. Finale: Allegro Con Spirito

Tracks:

Sym No.7 in d, Op.70: I. Allegro Maestoso
Sym No.7 in d, Op.70: II. Poco Adagio
Sym No.7 in d, Op.70: III. Scherzo: Vivace
Sym No.7 in d, Op.70: IV. Finale: Allegro
Sym No.8 in G, Op.88: I. Allegro Maestoso
Sym No.8 in G, Op.88: II. Poco Adagio
Sym No.8 in G, Op.88: III. Scherzo: Vivace
Sym No.8 in G, Op.88: IV. Allegro Ma Non Troppo

Tracks:

American Ste, Op.98b: I. Andante Con Moto
American Ste, Op.98b: II. Allegro
American Ste, Op.98b: III. Moderato (Alla Polacca)
American Ste, Op.98b: IV. Andante
American Ste, Op.98b: V. Allegro
Sym No.9 in e, Op.95 'From The New World': I. Adagio - Allegro Molto
Sym No.9 in e, Op.95 'From The New World': II. Largo
Sym No.9 in e, Op.95 'From The New World': III. Scherzo (Molto Vivace)
Sym No.9 in e, Op.95 'From The New World': IV. Allegro Con Fuoco

Customer Reviews:

ambitious and comprehensive.......2007-01-26

I bought this set because I was looking for early Dvorak, which is surprisingly difficult to find. As a collection of such hard-to-find material, this set of recordings is fabulous. I am already enamored of the fourth, listening to it over and over. The more I listen to this set of CDs, the more I like it. The technical quality of the playing, though overall not quite up to the level of the top world-class orchestras, is nonetheless excellent and in many ways more authentic of Dvorak and his world -- plus there are some really strong performances especially on the woodwind side.

An astonishing bargain on the used market.......2006-07-29

I was listening to Libor Pesek's complete Dvorak symphonies, which unlike most is generously filled with miscellaneous tone poems, overtures, and suites. The Czech Phil. sounds like they are to the manner born, but technical execution is spotty--this is an orchestra to appreciate for its local color rather than virtuosity. Pesek has middle-of-the-road ideas about the symphonies. The thin recorded sound isn't ideal, but the tangy Czech woodwinds are miked very close, which is appealing. There's no single performance to rival the best on CD, but everything is quite agreeable.

Then I noticed that on the used market this whole set sells for under $10--bargain alert. One could easily live with thwese readings and enjoy them al the more at such a steal.

Hard to beat.......2002-11-23

This set is a compilation of Pesek's recording cycle for Virgin between 1987-1995.

As a set of the complete symphonies it competes with Gunzenhauser (Naxos), Kertesz (Decca), Kubelik (DG), Jaarvi (Chandos) and Rowicki (Philips) In the UK this set is the cheapest way to buy a complete Dvorak cycle (there is a compilation box from Brilliant slightly cheaper but has the performances split unsuccessfully between three conductors : Paavo Jarvi, Kosler and Menuhin). However, in reviewing the set I took no account of price because, quite simply this set stands up well against all of the above.

First a note on the works. Dvorak's early symphonies are rarely performed and until recently hard to find on record. They dont reflect the maturity of style and understanding of symphonic form that one associates with 7, 8 and 9 but amongst them there are some real gems that it is a pity to neglect. Most notable is how clear Dvorak's orchestral voice is right from the start. Apart from strong and very obvious early influences from Wagner, Brahms and Beethoven what one hears most are pre-echoes of orchestral techniques used more successfully in the later works. Listening to the symphonies chronologically one is aware of the gradual maturing of form with the occasional marked change in approach such as from 4 - 5 when Dvorak's friendship with Brahms has clearly had effect. Needless to say, all the symphonies are orchestrally rich, colourful and dynamic with passages of great excitement and moments of sublime beauty.

Pesek's cycle alternates between his two favorite orchestras, 1,3,7,8 & 9 performed with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic (of whom he is currently conductor in residence) and 2,4, 5 & 6 the Czech Philharmonic (of whom he used to be conductor in residence). This alternation of orchestras adds an extra dimension to the cycle that I found quite refreshing. Pesek's approach has always been to let the orchestra have the freedom to express what he calls its "invisible spirit". "..you can hardly come to any orchestra and make them only play your way - it's a mutual exchange of experience..". Indeed this cycle gives one the chance to contrast the "invisible spirits" of the RLPO and CPO whilst still being aware of a unifying approach from Pesek.

The first 3 symphonies suffer perhaps from having too many ideas jostling for attention. It seems as if Dvorak is so excited with the infintie range of colours his orchestral paintbox can offer that he cant help but try out as many original and unusual scorings as possible. There are also many and frequent changes of dynamic, resulting in a kind of "crescendo-fatigue" Where Jaarvi tries hard to bring out an overall architecture that quite simply isnt there, Pesek, instead, revels in the many different textures and contrasting dynamics spotlighting certain passages for the inherent beauty they contain. I can think of no better approach for these early symphonies. With the fourth symphony however, Pesek now brings out the emerging sense of form as Dvorak reduces his orchestral palette in favour of more thematic development.

With Kertesz and Kubelik (and even the old Neumann on Supraphon) I was always aware of the shortcomings of the "middle" symphonies (5 & 6) feeling that they were "almost there but not quite". Under Pesek however, these symphonies exhibit a depth and maturity that gives me new respect. There is a relaxed confidence in his approach that makes us wonder why these works arent more played. There is much good music here and certainly I would put these particular performances at the top of my list.

When it comes to the "big three" (7, 8 and 9) there is so much competition in the catalogue that it would be impossible to pull out any one version and label it the best. Everyone has their own favorites (mine are Szell for 7, Kertesz for 8 and Barbirolli for 9). All I can say is the performances here are superb and cannot be criticised. Everything I look for in each performance Pesek has in spades. I may prefer Szell's third movement of the seventh or Barbirolli's opening to the ninth but this is countered by other aspects of the Pesek performances that are better in different ways. Most satisfying of all, having listened to Pesek guide me through the earlier symphonies, following his interpretation through into the last ones provides an insight and sense of completeness that any individual performance cannot achieve.

Finally a note on the recording. The CPO recordings (House of Artists, Prague) have slightly more ambience than the RLPO (Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool) which perhaps reinforces their "Czech" sound (memories of Supraphon!) but although the acoustic results in a slightly "fuller" sound it does not muddy the overall clarity of the excellent recording. The CPO recording of Symphony no 2 though was recorded in the Dvorak Hall, Prague and here there is slightly more reverberation. It's still within tolerable limits though. Overall the sound quality is excellent.

Amazon.com

The tragically short-lived Hungarian conductor Istvan Kertész was colorful, intense, and highly spontaneous but always respectful of a work's structure and a composer's style. Thus, in addition to their warmth and spirit, his readings of Dvorák's symphonies are notable for their grasp of architecture and idiomatic good sense. This account of the New World Symphony was actually Kertész's second on disc (he had earlier recorded it with the Vienna Philharmonic), and it shows the conductor at his best. The introduction is firm and rather forbidding, a good characterization, and the ensuing Allegro is taut, its play of light and shade carried off brilliantly. Elegance and subtlety of pacing mark the beautifully realized Largo, in which the playing of the London Symphony, suitably muted and sensitive, shows beautiful polish. The final two movements are grandly exuberant. This was Kertész and the LSO at the peak; as a performance of the Ninth, it has yet to be bettered, and the sound, after more than a quarter of a century, is still ravishing. --Ted Libbey

Dvorak: Othello Overture / Symphony No.9

Average customer rating:

Spectacular playing, cool interpretations
Excellent digital 'New World'.
Two Compelling Orchestral Works by Dvorak
An impressive, outstanding and special digital New World.
Fresh Dvorak

Dvorak: Othello Overture / Symphony No.9

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
ASIN: B000031X7Z
Release Date: 2000-02-08

Tracks:

Othello, Op. 93: Concert Overture
Symphony No. 9 In E Minor 'From The New World', Op. 95: 1. Adagio - Allegro molto
Symphony No. 9 In E Minor 'From The New World', Op. 95: 2. Largo
Symphony No. 9 In E Minor 'From The New World', Op. 95: 3. Scherzo. Molto vivace
Symphony No. 9 In E Minor 'From The New World', Op. 95: 4. Allegro con fuoco

Amazon.com

Odd that Abbado has never recorded the New World symphony until now. While this isn't a life-changing performance, it offers a refreshing, direct approach, with the Berlin Philharmonic leaving no doubt they're still a world-class outfit. Abbado relishes the tensions and contrasts of the opening movement, giving the introduction a timeless lyricism and the dramatic conclusion a real emotional surge. The famous Largo is taken simply and affectingly, with the music's aching nostalgia never lapsing into sentimentality. After a dynamic, pulsating scherzo, the finale launches into action and maintains excitement right until the close--one Ninth Symphony, which you feel the composer had no hang-up about being his last. As a coupling, there's the rarely heard Othello overture, Dvorák's heart-on-sleeve response to Shakespeare's play and not unlike a rerun of Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet--without the tune. Almost contemporary with the symphony, it makes a telling lead-in and enhances the attractions of the disc overall. --Richard Whitehouse

Customer Reviews:

Spectacular playing, cool interpretations.......2005-11-04

Two things this CD isn't: it's not remotely Czech in flavor, and it's not Karajan's Berlin Phil. Abbado has trimmed the stirng sound down consierably, and he doesn't favor luxurious, sleek voicing in the winds. His interpretation of Dvorak's warhorse is suitably lean, anti-romantic, ad yet spectacularly played and recorded (I dare you to find a volume level that can caputre the extremely soft pianissimos without blasting you out of the room at the major climaxes.)

The opening tone poem, Otello, is cool and urbane. I'm not sure that's what this piece needs, since quite a bit of the writing is fairly routine Dvorak--it's helped by some Czech spice. One wonders what it must be like to live in Berlin and routinely hear live performances at this level of precision and richness. As far as straight-faced versions of the New World Sym. go, one has to refer back to Reiner and the CSO to find anything comparable. Frankly, I prefer it when a conductor gets inside the piece, as Bernstein does, or finds a new way to hear this ultra-familiar music, as Harnoncourt does.

Excellent digital 'New World'........2001-04-26

If you're looking for a superbly played, conducted and recorded 'New World', this could be your first choice. Abbado's interpretation is fresh, and the playing of the BPO is weighty but with plenty of detail. The Finale comes off best, I think: it's great to hear a great orchestra playing this music with full conviction, and the results are very exciting. Even here though, Abbado relaxes wonderfully to help us enjoy Dvorak's reprise of earlier material.

Harnoncourt's recent CD with the Concertgebouw is a strong contender (and I prefer his account of the Largo), but you won't go far wrong with this disc. The coupling is fine as well.

If you don't require DDD sound in the symphony then other recordings by Kubelik (DG), Davis (Philips) and Karajan (DG, 1964) might be worth checking out, as they are all cheaper.

Two Compelling Orchestral Works by Dvorak.......2001-03-21

This has to be one of the best versions of Dvorak's 9th Symphony that I've heard in years, though it won't replace those with Kurt Masur/New York Philharmonic, Georg Solti/Chicago Symphony Orchesta, Nikolaus Harnoncourt/Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra nor Rafael Kubelik/Berlin Philharmonic. It is a very lively, fresh account that shows the Berlin Philharmonic is still one of the world's best orchestras. I am surprised that Abbado hasn't recorded Dvorak's 9th symphony before, since he seems quite at home with the score, knowing how to shape phrases so that those measures which are play either very softly or loudly sound clear and crisp. Like previous reviewers, I strongly commend the BPO's woodwind and horn sections for their enthusiastic, polished performances (As much as like the Solti/CSO version, the horn sections come across as too loud and brash for my taste, which is far from the case in this compelling account.). And Deutsche Grammophon's engineers have to be commended for their first rate job in recording the entire orchestra; I can't believe how well I could hear the English horns in the largo movement. This fine CD opens with the rarely heard Othello overture that is, like the 9th Symphony, rich in tone and a very dynamic range in sound. This is unquestionably a fine recording that should be added to your collection even if you already have other compelling versions of Dvorak's "New World Symphony".

An impressive, outstanding and special digital New World........2001-01-30

Before I begin, I would just like to point out the unfairness of the Penguin Guide's review of this recording. It unfairly criticised this recording despite its faultlessness and not-so-serious faults. There is excitement and lyricism in the right places, with excitement very plentiful in the symphony, and the hour-long playing-time makes reasonable value for a premium-priced CD like this, so you can be assured of its economic value. Now here is another aspect about which they gripe and grump, so please take my assurance of its value and you will be fine. Here is a review that shows off the true colours of the recording, and I know it can influence your decision on purchasing this CD.

The Claudio Abbado recording of the Dvorak New World Symphony has managed to secure itself a place among the top digital versions of this much-recorded work, alongside the Dresden performance of James Levine, also on DG. Taken from live performances in 1997, it shows every sign of spontaniety without any loss of dramatic bite or xxcitement. Abbado makes full use of his theatrical background to bring about this effect both in the symphony and in the welcome, perfectly-chosen fill-up, and elicits peerless and attentively-detailed playing from the Berliners. To top it off, DG provides perfect recorded sound containing the hallmarks of what an ideal digital recording should sound like - fullness, weight, clarity, warmth, transparency and atmosphere.

Before the symphony opens, Abbado treats us to a thrilling account of the Othello Overture. This aptly-chosen and welcome fill-up not only serves to increase the playing-time (from 45 minutes to one full hour) and eentual economic attractions to the disc, but to whet the listener's appetite for what's to come because of the powerful and dramatic overtones common to both works. This is especially so when the overture has some small hints of the composition of the main work. Abbado's performance of the overture never fails to thrill, and the sharp contrasts between drama and lyricism are beautifully brought out.

The overture is all over in a quarter of an hour, and we are drawn into the more familiar world of the symphony. After a repository opening, Abbado lurches into the first movement with energy and a burst of action to generate keenly-felt tension throughout his performance. There may be tempo fluctuation in the lyrical sections, but Abbado mixes lyricism with drama and excitement engagingly, and he also creates a telling effect in the last few pages of this movement. The Largo is beautifully played, and shows a positively lyrical aspect of this perforance. The string sound shimmers like diamonds, and the wind solos are gorgeously played, especially the celebrated oboe solo. It seems that the music has been considerably freshened, with playing of hushed intensity and an aching sense of wistfulness and nostalgia. Still, in Abbado's hands, the movement never degenerates or loses its concentratino. The performance kicks off again with a sense of toughness in the dynamic and pulsating Scherzo, whose trio section shows a sunny side to this performance with crisply and lightly-articulated flutes to give a light, airy-like character to the Schubertian dance. But in the Finale, where my greatest enthusiasm lies, Abbado crowns his wonderful performance by weaving the separate strands of argumentative thread together with skill and maintains excitement well up to the closing pages. I'm sure that there are some people who may complain about some routine performance here, but this is only a minor problem that does not occur in the other movements, and the peerless playing makes up for it.

To sum everything up, this Dvorak New World seems to me one of the few perfect digital recordings to come my way in recent years. As a matter of fact, I have nothing bad to say about this performance, except from the angles of others. So I can heartily recommend it to anybody who loves Dvorak, Claudio Abbado, or an evergreen symphony. To end, the best thing is to congratulate DG and Claudio for an excellent job well done, and to commend the Berliners for living up to their name in giving another glorious performance of the symphony that is fit enough for Karajan, Kubelik and Tennstedt to free their spirits and live again in the sound.

Fresh Dvorak.......2000-03-27

This new Dvorak album from Abbado and the BPO is surperb. It leaves no doubt that the BPO is still the worlds best orchestra. The detail is legion. The strings play effortlessly. The winds and brass are perfect. The low strings are amazing, even by the BPO standards. The english horn player makes the most and more out of the famous 2nd movement solo. This is the best Dvorak 9th in a long time and leaves no doubt about the quality job Abbado has done in his years there. I hope that he might give us more Dvorak Symphonies.

Dvorák: The Complete Published Orchestral Works

Average customer rating:

20 Hours of Dvorak at a Bargain Price

Dvorák: The Complete Published Orchestral Works

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Wagner: Tristan und Isolde [Includes Bonus DVD]

ASIN: B0001FYRB2
Release Date: 2004-07-20

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scott Morrison

Dvorak: Symphony No9; In Nature's Realm Op91

Average customer rating:

Dvorak: Symphony No9; In Nature's Realm Op91

Manufacturer: Berlin Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000JIRV
Release Date: 1999-07-20

Tracks:

Sym No.9 in e, Op.95 'From The New World': 1. Adagio-Allegro Molto
Sym No.9 in e, Op.95 'From The New World': 2. Largo
Sym No.9 in e, Op.95 'From The New World': 3. Scherzo. Molto Vivace
Sym No.9 in e, Op.95 'From The New World': 4. Allegro Con Fuoco
Ov 'In The Nature' in F, Op.91
Ov 'Othello' Op.93

Dvorak: Symphony No9; Carnival Overture Op92

Average customer rating:

Dvorak: Symphony No9; Carnival Overture Op92

Manufacturer: Capriccio
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000001WOJ
Release Date: 1994-07-12

Tracks:

Symphony No. 9 In E Minor: 1.1 Adagio - 1.2 Allegro molto
Symphony No. 9 In E Minor: Largo
Symphony No. 9 In E Minor: Scherzo
Symphony No. 9 In E Minor: Allegro Con Fuoco
Carnival Overture: 5.1 Allegro - 5.2 Andantino Con Moto - 5.3 Allegro
Othello Overture: 6.1 Lento - 6.2 Allegro Con Brio

Dvorák: Symphonien 7, 8, 9; Carnival; Otello

Average customer rating:

Dvorák: Symphonien 7, 8, 9; Carnival; Otello

Manufacturer: Capriccio
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00005178Y
Release Date: 2001-01-09

Track Listings:

Track Listings

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