Search - Antonin Dvorak, Libor Pesek, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra :: Dvorak: Symphonies 1-9 / Orchestral Works

Hard to beat

P. R. Rustage | 11/23/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This set is a compilation of Pesek's recording cycle for Virgin between 1987-1995. As a set of the complete symphonies it competes with Gunzenhauser (Naxos), Kertesz (Decca), Kubelik (DG), Jaarvi (Chandos) and Rowicki (Philips) In the UK this set is the cheapest way to buy a complete Dvorak cycle (there is a compilation box from Brilliant slightly cheaper but has the performances split unsuccessfully between three conductors : Paavo Jarvi, Kosler and Menuhin). However, in reviewing the set I took no account of price because, quite simply this set stands up well against all of the above.First a note on the works. Dvorak's early symphonies are rarely performed and until recently hard to find on record. They dont reflect the maturity of style and understanding of symphonic form that one associates with 7, 8 and 9 but amongst them there are some real gems that it is a pity to neglect. Most notable is how clear Dvorak's orchestral voice is right from the start. Apart from strong and very obvious early influences from Wagner, Brahms and Beethoven what one hears most are pre-echoes of orchestral techniques used more successfully in the later works. Listening to the symphonies chronologically one is aware of the gradual maturing of form with the occasional marked change in approach such as from 4 - 5 when Dvorak's friendship with Brahms has clearly had effect. Needless to say, all the symphonies are orchestrally rich, colourful and dynamic with passages of great excitement and moments of sublime beauty.Pesek's cycle alternates between his two favorite orchestras, 1,3,7,8 & 9 performed with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic (of whom he is currently conductor in residence) and 2,4, 5 & 6 the Czech Philharmonic (of whom he used to be conductor in residence). This alternation of orchestras adds an extra dimension to the cycle that I found quite refreshing. Pesek's approach has always been to let the orchestra have the freedom to express what he calls its "invisible spirit". "..you can hardly come to any orchestra and make them only play your way - it's a mutual exchange of experience..". Indeed this cycle gives one the chance to contrast the "invisible spirits" of the RLPO and CPO whilst still being aware of a unifying approach from Pesek.The first 3 symphonies suffer perhaps from having too many ideas jostling for attention. It seems as if Dvorak is so excited with the infintie range of colours his orchestral paintbox can offer that he cant help but try out as many original and unusual scorings as possible. There are also many and frequent changes of dynamic, resulting in a kind of "crescendo-fatigue" Where Jaarvi tries hard to bring out an overall architecture that quite simply isnt there, Pesek, instead, revels in the many different textures and contrasting dynamics spotlighting certain passages for the inherent beauty they contain. I can think of no better approach for these early symphonies. With the fourth symphony however, Pesek now brings out the emerging sense of form as Dvorak reduces his orchestral palette in favour of more thematic development.

With Kertesz and Kubelik (and even the old Neumann on Supraphon) I was always aware of the shortcomings of the "middle" symphonies (5 & 6) feeling that they were "almost there but not quite". Under Pesek however, these symphonies exhibit a depth and maturity that gives me new respect. There is a relaxed confidence in his approach that makes us wonder why these works arent more played. There is much good music here and certainly I would put these particular performances at the top of my list.When it comes to the "big three" (7, 8 and 9) there is so much competition in the catalogue that it would be impossible to pull out any one version and label it the best. Everyone has their own favorites (mine are Szell for 7, Kertesz for 8 and Barbirolli for 9). All I can say is the performances here are superb and cannot be criticised. Everything I look for in each performance Pesek has in spades. I may prefer Szell's third movement of the seventh or Barbirolli's opening to the ninth but this is countered by other aspects of the Pesek performances that are better in different ways. Most satisfying of all, having listened to Pesek guide me through the earlier symphonies, following his interpretation through into the last ones provides an insight and sense of completeness that any individual performance cannot achieve.Finally a note on the recording. The CPO recordings (House of Artists, Prague) have slightly more ambience than the RLPO (Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool) which perhaps reinforces their "Czech" sound (memories of Supraphon!) but although the acoustic results in a slightly "fuller" sound it does not muddy the overall clarity of the excellent recording. The CPO recording of Symphony no 2 though was recorded in the Dvorak Hall, Prague and here there is slightly more reverberation. It's still within tolerable limits though. Overall the sound quality is excellent.This is, all in all, great value for money and if the only Dvorak you know is the "New World" I suggest you go mad and buy this. You also get excellent performances of the Czech and American Suites, Othello, Wild Dove, My Home and Carnival Overtures and Scherzo Capriccioso thrown in as fillers!"

Impressive

LaughingLion | North of Boston | 09/03/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not a huge classical music fan. I am a huge general music fan. This is my favorite collection of classical music. It's soulful, deep, and approachable. I don't know or care about most of the terms for different musical techniques, I do care that I can put this on and be absorbed by it instantly."

An astonishing bargain on the used market

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 07/29/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I was listening to Libor Pesek's complete Dvorak symphonies, which unlike most is generously filled with miscellaneous tone poems, overtures, and suites. The Czech Phil. sounds like they are to the manner born, but technical execution is spotty--this is an orchestra to appreciate for its local color rather than virtuosity. Pesek has middle-of-the-road ideas about the symphonies. The thin recorded sound isn't ideal, but the tangy Czech woodwinds are miked very close, which is appealing. There's no single performance to rival the best on CD, but everything is quite agreeable.



Then I noticed that on the used market this whole set sells for under $10--bargain alert. One could easily live with thwese readings and enjoy them al the more at such a steal."