R. J. Claster | Van Nuys, CA United States | 07/15/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This 3CD collection should get the attention of those who like Dvorak's music because, in addition to his frequently recorded Slavonic Dances, it includes all of his concert overtures and tone poems, and also, the Symphonic Variations. These works, apart from the Carnival Overture, are not often recorded, but are nevertheless major works. Here you have this music in first class performances by one of the premiere interpreters of this music (i.e. Rafael Kubelik), in very fine sound, and offered at a superbudget price. If you want all or most of these pieces, but do not yet have them, this is really a no brainer. Get them!"
One of Dvoraks finest recordings
Rafael Rodriguez | Costa Rica | 10/06/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is well known that Kubelik's performances of Dvorak's music are among the best ever. This set of CD's is a blessing, you get the famous Slavonic Dances among with the Symphonic Poems and Overtures all togehter, and with Kubelik!!!
This version of the Slavonic Dances is wonderfull. No 7 of the OP 72 is just incredible and with no rivals. There is an equally great recording of the Slavonic Dances, with Harnoncourt and the COE, which happens to have a better sound recording.
Regarding the Symphonic Poems and the Overtures, you just won't find a better recording than this one, not to mention the fact of having all this works together in the same set. The sound is good, and the performances are outstanding."
Bohemian American Variegated Sounds
rodboomboom | Dearborn, Michigan United States | 04/14/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Marvelous three-disc set of Dvorak's patriotic, overture and symphonic poems and variations at an affordable price with satisfactory recording quality which has been freshly transferred to CD form.His Slavonic roots seem to leap out of this music in the Slavonic Dances, which are played here with robusto and eubilence by the Kubelik led Bavarian Radio Symphony.This pious man who said that "he studied with the birds, flowers, God and myself" exerts in this collection a humility yet assertive control of his music, showing tranquility and robust outbursts of joy. The Hussite Overture was of real interest to this reviewer as not only is it passionately played as am quite of fan of this Bavarian reformer who truly was inspirational and foundational to Luther.Their rendition of Carnival is electrifying and warm, especially the nature theme of the clarinets.The Wood Dove is very much a mood swinger with is funeral dirge march catapulting into a marvelous love song and sweet violin solo.Highly enjoyable recording."
Not played with total conviction
Prescott Cunningham Moore | 03/28/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Although Kubelik's cycle of the symphonies on DG with the Berlin Philharmonic may be the best ever recorded, this set of Dances, Overtures, and Symphonic Poems is not as grand or as well conducted. What we find here is Kubelik just conducting the pieces rather than truly interpreting them. Although he does bring out some wonderful nuances in the score, highlighting some delightful orchestral effects, the overall feeling of the overtures and the poems is less than satisfying. The playing sounds lifeless and rather dull in the overtures and poems. Take Istvan Kertez's reading of the overtures or Neeme Jarvi's recording of the Symphonic Poems - both conductors are playing with total conviction. Here, Kubelik is simply performing the works.The dances, however, are delightfully played and recorded. Kubelik seems to be having fun while performing these lighthearted dance pieces, and his energy is evident in the recording, the quality of which is quite good. Although for the overtures I suggest Kertez with the London Symphony Orchestra and Neeme Jarvi with the Scottish National Orchestra for the symphonic poems, this is a delightful set for the dances. Recommendable."