Dvorak's Symphonies

[Renfield]

There is nothing special about Karajan's 9th...except the last movement has its good points.

But you've obviously not heard other recordings if you think that Karajan is great here.

Being a Karajan "fanboy" as I assuredly am, I will nonetheless have to agree. Karajan only got the grip of the "New World" the very last time he recorded it (on video); and by that time, he was too old to truly "work his magic" on the piece, in my opinion.

I mean, just listen to Kubelík's recording with (Karajan's) Berlin Philharmonic, and you (or at least I) immediately feel so much closer to the "heart" of the music - or the heart of the idiom, if you want to be more academic about it...

[Michel]

Renfield, agreed. I am actually a massive Karajan fan generally, too.

[sound67]

This set by Ivan Anguelov and the Czecho-Slovak Radio Symphony was a real unexpected treat.  A great cycle all the way around, but especially in the first six symphonies.

Seconded.

[Larry Rinkel]

Don't let anyone recommend you the Kertesz box set,

What's wrong with it?

[Drasko]

Vaclav Neumann's earlier analog cycle with Czech Philharmonic has just been issued in Japan. Looks tempting.

http://www.hmv.co.jp/product/detail/1940615

[PerfectWagnerite]

Vaclav Neumann's earlier analog cycle with Czech Philharmonic has just been issued in Japan. Looks tempting.

http://www.hmv.co.jp/product/detail/1940615

I have the later digital cycle. Anyone care to compare the two?

[Brian]

I recommend the Kubelik/BPO DGG box as a basic reference standard with superb performances of everything.

I unrecommend the Kubelik for its horrid performances of 1 and 2. Anguelov and Kubelik actually complement each other well, since the DG set's 7-9 are masterful and Anguelov's 1-6 are as well.

[Lilas Pastia]

I wouldn't hold that against Kubelik. Symphonies 1 and 2 are extremely unremarkable.

[sound67]

Indeed. But you know, the legal system requires attorneys to defend their clients the best they can even when they believe they're guilty. The same should apply to classical performances/recordings. 

Thomas

[mahlertitan]

Indeed. But you know, the legal system requires attorneys to defend their clients the best they can even when they believe they're guilty. The same should apply to classical performances/recordings. 

Thomas

what should we do with the guilty ones? should we imprison or execute them too?

[Brian]

I wouldn't hold that against Kubelik. Symphonies 1 and 2 are extremely unremarkable.

I actually adore #2. In the right hands (Suitner, Anguelov, etc.) it comes across as cuddly teddy bear of a symphony: you don't need it, and it's not much use to grown-ups, but it sure is cute and makes you smile.

[longears]

Don't let anyone recommend you the Kertesz box set, there is a lot better out there.

What's wrong with it?

To quote Edwin Starr:

"Absolutely nothin'."

[Lilas Pastia]

I have the Suitner 2nd (from the set) as well as Kosler's, but they still don't make it any more interesting. To my ears, of course .

[BorisG]

I have the Suitner 2nd (from the set) as well as Kosler's, but they still don't make it any more interesting. To my ears, of course .

I am a fan of Suitner and some of his Dvorak, but I do not think anyone could make 1 to 3 interesting enough for me.

[alkan]

I agree with Larry Rinkel  .....  the Kersetz set has been a reference for years and it is well recorded.      I find it extremely good and I am very happy with it, although I have not heard other versions .....

[George]

To quote Edwin Starr:

"Absolutely nothin'."

"Say it again!"

[orange]

I have Kertesz's and Bernstein's recordings. And I like Bernstein a bit more.

[Brian]

I have Kertesz's and Bernstein's recordings. And I like Bernstein a bit more.

Bernstein's Seventh is quite interesting. He plays it more slowly than everyone I know except Kosler (I think Lenny takes 41 minutes), and the result is a very different kind of drama, and an awful lot of orchestral detail. The finale at first seems hesitant, but then it explodes in a fiery dash to the exit.

[sound67]

Bernstein's Seventh is quite interesting.

Is it? Usually, the slow Bernstein is about as interesting as the fat Elvis.

See his comatose recording of the 9th.

Thomas

[Mark]

Usually, the slow Bernstein is about as interesting as the fat Elvis.

My 'Post of Today', no doubt about it.