Search - Antonin Dvorak, Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky, Josef Vlach :: Dvorák: Serenades in E major and in D minor

Seen in a new light!

rjm | maryland | 08/24/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having performed Dvorak's Serenade in E for Strings and Tchaikovsky's Andante Cantabile numerous times over the past 25 years I was delighted to become acquainted with interpretations that stand apart from those to which I'd become accustomed. Notwithstanding the warmth and technical polish of the inestimable contributions of such ensembles as Orpheus and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, the Czech Chamber Orchestra and Josef Vlach offer readings of great vigor and enthusiasm combined with lovingly shaped phrases that sound completely natural and unforced. This is no small feat given that too much rubato and tempo tampering can turn such richly melodic pieces into cloying caricature; but the performers here admirably succeed in playing with conviction and, in the case of both Dvorak pieces, with the undeniable and definitive authority that only fellow countrymen can invest in music of their native son. In addition, the Serenade for Wind Instruments, Cello and Doublebass is played with ardor and heartfelt intensity and is held together with razor sharp ensemble all the more remarkable because it is performed without a conductor. The performances of the string serenade and the Tchaikovsky pieces date back almost 40 years and the wind serenade a little over 25 years; yet, except for the sound in the Tchaikovsky Andante cantabile, the remastered recording is clear and well-balanced and feels very live and vivid. Bravo to Supraphon for reissuing these readings. Their authentic flavor and passion are second to none! I highly recommend this CD even if you already own several others of these chamber masterpieces."