Search - Antonin Dvorak, Karel Ancerl, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra :: Dvorák: Symphony No. 9 "From the New World"; In Nature's Realm; Othello

Very Czech music-making, but Ancerl isn't exceptional

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 06/19/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Czech Phil. must play Dvorak's "New World" as frequently as the organist at Yankee Stadium plays The Star-Spangled Banner, but almost every outing manages to sound fresh. This is due to the orchestra's style in large part -- they never make the work too Brahmsian or self-important. Over the years such a natural, unaffected approach has been vitalized by punchy attacks and rustic vigor. If you like the "New World" done this way -- who wouldn't? -- Ancerl's reading falls into line. There's no attempt to sound inspired or even very individual. The woodwinds aren't virtuosos; indeed, it's the flavor of the orchestra that makes it stand out, not excellence of execution per se. the strings are resiny, supple, and a bit thin=sounding. The ensemble aims to blend into a single timbre, something you rarely find today except in Vienna and Dresden. Ancerl's tempos are on the brisk side, adding an extra lift and vitality to each movement. The only thing missing is the driving personality of Fricsay on DG and Tennstedt on EMI in their remarkable readings, which lift this symphony into a higher realm.



I was more interested, frankly, in the two fillers. In the Sixties one heard Othello and In Nature's Realm almost exclusively from Czech orchestras, Rafael Kubleik in various locations, and Istvan Kertesz in his complete Dovrak cycle from London. Ancerl's reading of In Nature's Realm is buoyant and energetic but not special. He finds more atmosphere in Othello, but the piece really needs more weight and depth. I'm not sure the fillers justify buying the whole CD, generous as it is at 70 min. In addition, Supraphon's recorded sound is on the thin side."