Purchases Today

[Florestan]

I said I wasn't going to buy either of sets, but curiosity got the better of me:



I think I now own more Dvořák than Brian. I already had a sizable collection of Dvořák before buying these two sets.

I have the Naxos box but not the Warner Classics one. Is there any overlap between the two?

[Brahmsian]

I said I wasn't going to buy either of sets, but curiosity got the better of me:



I think I now own more Dvořák than Brian. I already had a sizable collection of Dvořák before buying these two sets.

Terrific set, overall.  I was mightily impressed by it.  Other than the very below average performances of the 4th and 8th (on disc 4), it is pretty much thumbs up all the way.

[Mirror Image]

I have the Naxos box but not the Warner Classics one. Is there any overlap between the two?

I seriously doubt it, Jeffrey, but I haven't done any research into it. They're both different labels with different catalogs, so my guess is no, but this doesn't mean that there couldn't be some overlap.

[Mirror Image]

Terrific set, overall.  I was mightily impressed by it.  Other than the very below average performances of the 4th and 8th (on disc 4), it is pretty much thumbs up all the way.

Indeed, Ray. I'm not expecting the Naxos set to be too competitive when it comes to the symphonies given that so many performances exist, but when it comes to a lot of the lesser known works, I think this is where this set could be a true asset to someone's Dvořák collection.

[Florestan]

I seriously doubt it, Jeffrey, but I haven't done any research into it. They're both different labels with different catalogs, so my guess is no, but this doesn't mean that there couldn't be some overlap.

I am greatly honored to be confused either with vandermolen of JBS, yet I am Andrei.

Thank you very much, anyway, Joseph.     

[Brahmsian]

Indeed, Ray. I'm not expecting the Naxos set to be too competitive when it comes to the symphonies given that so many performances exist, but when it comes to a lot of the lesser known works, I think this is where this set could be a true asset to someone's Dvořák collection.

I'll give Gunzenhauser some credit - the performances in the other symphonies are quite competitive.  But yes, the greatest strength of this set is in the hidden and lesser known gems (ie. Opera overtures).

[prémont]

Bach BB are from 1966 with an excellent small ensemble from Zurich in HIP (or so say the comments I've read - I'll be the judge of that).

HIP may be a bit overstated. At least not more HIP than the BBC recordings of say Menuhin and Baumgartner. The Zürich string ensemble is small (ripieno size 4,4,3,3,1) but play on modern instruments except two recorders in BBC 4, two gambas in BBC 6 and harpsichord throughout. Most of the soloists are not from Zürich (not credited in the Scribendum release), and they include Maurice André - trumpet, Heinz Holliger -oboe, Raymond Meylan - traverse flute and Christiane Jaccottet - harpsichord. If you want a complete list, I can post it.

[Mirror Image]

I am greatly honored to be confused either with vandermolen of JBS, yet I am Andrei.

Thank you very much, anyway, Joseph.     

My apologies, Andrei. I'm not sure why I got you confused with JBS.

[Mirror Image]

I'll give Gunzenhauser some credit - the performances in the other symphonies are quite competitive.  But yes, the greatest strength of this set is in the hidden and lesser known gems (ie. Opera overtures).

Excellent to read, Ray. Perhaps I should give him more credit as well.

[Florestan]

My apologies, Andrei. I'm not sure why I got you confused with JBS.

No apologies needed, John --- I just couldn't resist. 

[Mirror Image]

No apologies needed, John --- I just couldn't resist. 

I think I understand why I got you and JBS mixed up: both of your avatar paintings have a similar hue to them. Anyway, at least I can count on you for being a good sport.

[Florestan]

I think I understand why I got you and JBS mixed up: both of your avatar paintings have a similar hue to them. Anyway, at least I can count on you for being a good sport.

[VonStupp]

[Brian]

Excellent to read, Ray. Perhaps I should give him more credit as well.

6 and 9 are not amazing/reference caliber, but way above par and there are performances by very famous conductors that are worse. Gunzenhauser got upgraded to a BBC orchestra for the concert overtures, which was nice of them.

But wow, yeah you might have more than me now! I have parts of what I assume to be in that Warner box (the Pesek cycle, for example). Has any retailer posted a detailed contents list?

[Mirror Image]

6 and 9 are not amazing/reference caliber, but way above par and there are performances by very famous conductors that are worse. Gunzenhauser got upgraded to a BBC orchestra for the concert overtures, which was nice of them.

But wow, yeah you might have more than me now! I have parts of what I assume to be in that Warner box (the Pesek cycle, for example). Has any retailer posted a detailed contents list?

Very good to read, Brian. I was just kidding that I own more Dvořák than you, but I'd love to see a list of what you own some time. Since you asked about the Warner set's contents, I found this:

https://www.arkivmusic.com/products/antonin-dvorak-the-slavonic-soul-851704

[Brian]

Very good to read, Brian. I was just kidding that I own more Dvořák than you, but I'd love to see a list of what you own some time. Since you asked about the Warner set's contents, I found this:

https://www.arkivmusic.com/products/antonin-dvorak-the-slavonic-soul-851704

Thank you!!
Some really interesting choices there. I'd be very keen to hear Neumann in the Dances and Rhapsodies, and the two serenade recordings look fun.

I have Vienna Sextet recordings of the pieces listed here under their name, but on Decca Eloquence. Licensed, or second recordings? Hmm.

Towards the end of the list it really reduces to excerpts and highlights. Good thing Supraphon has that box series.

[Mirror Image]

Thank you!!
Some really interesting choices there. I'd be very keen to hear Neumann in the Dances and Rhapsodies, and the two serenade recordings look fun.

I have Vienna Sextet recordings of the pieces listed here under their name, but on Decca Eloquence. Licensed, or second recordings? Hmm.

Towards the end of the list it really reduces to excerpts and highlights. Good thing Supraphon has that box series.

You're welcome. I bought all of those Supraphon box sets several years ago. I'd say these sets make up the core of my Dvořák collection. It was with these sets that I was able to build upon that foundation. Yeah, the last couple of discs don't look too interesting, but I do like his lieder and hearing Lucia Popp sing is always a treat for the ears.

[Brian]

For the lieder I only have Bernarda Fink on Harmonia Mundi.

[Mirror Image]

For the lieder I only have Bernarda Fink on Harmonia Mundi.

Ah, that's a great recording. Don't forget about this one:

[Madiel]

Indeed, Ray. I'm not expecting the Naxos set to be too competitive when it comes to the symphonies given that so many performances exist, but when it comes to a lot of the lesser known works, I think this is where this set could be a true asset to someone's Dvořák collection.

Given that Naxos single albums tend to remain in circulation, some of those albums with lesser known works are on my vague consideration list rather than the whole box.

You know me, trying not to have lots of recordings of the same works... although I now have four Bach cello suite recordings. FOUR!