Fine performance
Southern Man | Raleigh, NC | 03/08/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Sir Colin Davis plays it pretty straightforward here and there's nothing wrong with that. Complaining that this doesn't compare to Dohnanyi, Szell, Mackeras, etc. is redundant. Let those performances stand on their merits, judge this recording by its own merits which are considerable. The LSO playing is excellent throughout, a bit brisk at times but never rushed. Altogether this is a very sympathetic reading, a treat for Dvorak fans.
If you already have a favorite cherished version of Dvorak's seventh, it's unlikely that any new version will sway you. But if you're building your classical library or are not happy with the version you currently have, this is recommended. I have no issue at all with the fact that there's no filler, just the one symphony. It's a powerful work and makes an engaging listen on its own."
Best Recorded Version of Dvorak 7th Symphony
John Kwok | New York, NY USA | 08/02/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Much to my surprise, Sir Colin Davis tends towards brisk tempi in this riveting recording of the Dvorak 7th Symphony which should please most Dvorak music fans. It is among the fastest interpretations I've heard of this symphony. But is it among the most compelling? Regrettably, the answer is no since I've heard more spellbinding accounts from the likes of Sir Charles Mackerras (a live performance at Carnegie Hall with Mackerras conducting the Orchestra of Saint Luke's) and Nikolaus Harnoncourt in his recent Teldec recording with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. But this recording is blessed with the best recorded sound I have heard for this symphony, and thus, it is yet another sonic triumph in the LSO Live recordings series. At this price it is also a bargain to acquire."
Good but not the best
J. Buxton | Waltham, MA United States | 04/22/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This represents the completion of the final three Dvorak symphonies that Davis recorded for the LSO Live label. I think it confirms that Davis is natural with Dvorak, although I have some reservations. First, the sound is a little bit too recessed for my taste and certainly more so than the recordings of the 8th and 9th. The first movement is very strong with the climatic moments given the proper weight and dramatic tension. The second and third movements are fine, no new insights here, but definitely well played. I feel as though the Finale could have been brought off better, the strings don't really sing through enough and it tends to become a bit too weighty toward the conclusion, as Davis slows things down significantly. Compare this to Dohnanyi/Cleveland on Decca or Szell/Cleveland on Sony and you will immediately notice the difference. So, a good solid choice, but certainly not at the top."
