Search - Antonin Dvorak, Karel Sejna, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra :: Dvorák: Symphony No. 5; Slavonic Rhapsodies

Probably the best, most idiomatic Dvorak 5th I've yet heard.

McGillicuddy | Ojai, CA United States | 10/21/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
We're fortunate to have so many great interpreters of Dvorak's music on record. Among the greatest, in my opinion:

Vaclav Talich ( His late 30's recordings of the 7th and 8th, and early 50's recordings of the 9th and the Slavonic Dances are all favorites of mine.)

Rafael Kubelik (I love his DG recordings of the 7th,8th and 9th and he is probably my favorite for the overtures and symphonic poems)

Istvan Kertesz ( if you want to invest in the entire cycle of Dvorak symphonies Kertesz's London/Decca set is among the very best)

George Szell(among the very greatest 7th and 8ths on record; and perhaps the greatest Slavonic Dances)

Witold Rowicki ( I particularly like his readings of the early symphonies)

...and last but not least Karel Sejna who began his career with the Czech Philharmonic while still a student at the Prague Conservatory. Sejna received much encouragement and support from the Czech Philharmonic's principal conductor, Vaclav Talich until gradually he was hired as a full time conductor himself, going on to record nearly the complete works of Bedrich Smetana as well as the mature symphonies of Antonin Dvorak (no.s 5-7; as well as a stellar reading of the Slavonic Dances which ranks with Szell's and Talichs).



I've heard some wonderful 5ths in my time. I love Kertesz's interpretation of the 5th with the London Philharmonic (60's analog, digitially remastered); and if you want good modern digital sound, I'd have to recommend Neeme Jarvi's account on Chandos --which also includes a fine reading of Water Goblin to boot!



But Karel Sejna's 5th is easily the most warmly flowing, passionate, and idiomatic reading I've yet heard; very much in the spirit of Talich himself. The recording is early 50s mono but the sound is quite good for the time, plus we get an excellent account of the comparatively rare Slavonic Rhapsodies. If you can tolerate decent mono sound don't hesitate to explore this conductor's perceptive interpretation. You won't be sorry."