Search - Antonin Dvorak, Charles Mackerras, Prague Symphony Orchestra :: Dvorák: Symphonies Nos. 8 & 9

Vibrantly Communicative Performances

Robin Dalziell | West leederville, Western Australia Australia | 04/12/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I find it hard to understand that this disc has been listed here for over 3 years and hasn't been given a review!

Sir Charles' great reputation in Czech music is well known and these performances further justify it.

Infectious joy permeates through both works with abundance! There is a sense of discovery in the first movement of the 9th that I haven't heard since Kubelik's DG version. The largo with its lilting woodwind rhythms and songful cor anglais is beautifully played against a backdrop of shimmering strings and moves to a perfectly judged climax. There is no hint of the romanticism being over-blown here. The scherzo is full of snap and energy and is followed by a finale which has irresistible energy.

The eighth is no less memorable. A passionate and lyrical first movement, a slow movement which is so evocative of nature, a delectable waltz and a finale charged with vigor.

Mackerras and the Prague Symphony Orchestra have given us performances of rare eloquence and architecture, chock full of personality, insights and affection!

The sound allows all the detail to come through and has great presence.

In such a crowded field something special is needed and they deliver!

Go listen...

PS; also listen to his wonderful Dvorak 6th with the Czech Philharmonic also on Supraphon

"