Search - Antonin Dvorak, Václav Neumann, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra :: Dvorák: Symphonies Nos. 7-9

Good performances in excellent sound but check out some alte

Robert T. Martin | 02/23/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Dvorak's last three symphonic masterpieces are beautifully recorded here but fall short in performance when compared with the competition.



In number 7 Neumann's close attention to balances show off the Czech Philharmonic's winds to wonderful effect, but the more successful sevenths tend to display a hefty string tone with strong rhythmic accents. Neumann is also interpretively unimaginative compared with, for example, Giulini's highly inflected performance with the London Philharmonic on EMI. Szell, with the Cleveland orchestra, is more propulsive than either Neuman or Giulini but the orchestra's burly string tone and the close-up recording gives his performance considerable texture and interest. In comparison to these, Neumann's effort seems low keyed.



In number 8 Neuman is just too relaxed. Again compare this to Giulini with the Philharmonia which if measured by the clock is slower than Neumann but has more momentum because of his rhythmic vitality and emotional sweep. Szell's straight forward interpretation is very exciting and his last movement makes you want to stamp your foot in time to the strong rhythms.



Neumann does very well in the Ninth but Giulini does it better because of his ability to generate tension and modify tempos without jarring the listener. Szell is more straightforward, swift but very powerful.



If you want to hear a milestone ninth consider Talich's with the Czech Philharmonic from 1954 in good mono. Listen especially to the last movement. Maestro Tallich never lets the strings wander from the listener's consciousness (one can feel every tremor in the tremolos) thus creating a constant inner tension throughout the movement. A masterpiece of a performance and a great example of focus and concentration on the part of the conductor and the orchestra-extraordinary.



A reviewer noted that the Neumann/Suprahon recording splits the Eighth Symphony between two discs and offers no fillers. At this price this is inexcusable-the Seventh and the Eighth could have been easily accommodated on the first disc with room on the second for the ninth and some fillers.



The Giulini performances mentioned in this review are available on EMI as part of that label's Gemini series. Symphony movements are not split and the two-disc set includes Giulini's performances of the Carnival Overture and the Scherzo Capriccioso-a bargain at $12.00.



Szell's twofer on Sony includes his great Carnival Overture, his wonderful performance of the Bartered Bride Overture (in mono) and his own orchestral arrangement of Smetana's Quartet in E minor also in mono.



The Talich Ninth is available on a single disc along with his 1951 performance of the Eighth.



If sound is a primary consideration, Neuman's performances make a good choice. However, if you want more out of your Dvorak consider some of the alternatives that are available in sets and in singles.



Update- January 2009



The price of this set has been substantially reduced since I reviewed it last year. My overall rating remains at 4 stars but given the quality of the sound and the present price it represents a great bargain for Neuman fans and for fans of the Czech Philharmonic."