Search - Zdenek Fibich, Neeme Järvi, Detroit Symphony Orchestra :: Fibich: Complete Symphonies

Nice but the Bohemian Touch isn't Here

Charles Voogd | Underwaterland | 12/03/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Well, now Fibich has almost gone anonymous - he died 100 years ago - someone had to give his music some attention. These symphonies were recorded earlier by this team but now they're put together.Even now people manage to misspell his name - it really isn't Zdenék - so why is he forgotten?His music doesn't fall easy on the ear. You'll miss the melodic spontanity of a Dvorák; you'll not find the way Janacek could surprise you and you'll not find the way - say - a Brahms could make a happening out of a symphony.So you'll find decent symphonies with no real memorable tunes, a sort of Wagnerian heavy-handedness used the wrong way around and a kind of sound which sounds rather compact and clogged if not played with the right Bohemina lightness of touch.That's exactly what's happening here. The American orchestra sounds as a great one but isn't here because they - and their conductor - miss this touch.Alternatively try to listen to the older - and not so very well recorded - Waldhans (Symphony #2) and Behlohlávek (Symphony #3)readings on Supraphon. Think they're not available anymore."

Comparatively obscure, but beautiful

01/23/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I purchased these CDs several years ago, they were in separate albums, and consequently, were twice the price. Coupled with Symphony No. 1 were two sections from Smetana's "Ma Vlast". Compared with Dvorak, the Symphonies are somewhat run-of-the-mill, but composers' talents and inspirations have varied a great deal over the years...............These symphonies, in spite of being a little lower on the "totem pole", are well worth hearing and becoming better acquainted with. I am not sorry that I paid a premium price for my separate albums. The performances and recording quality are stellar."

A Good Addition to Your Collection

Kenneth Gilman | Miami Fla | 02/05/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"These symphonies are a delight, particularly the 2nd & 3rd. The fourth movement of the 2nd symphony is worth the price for the whole set. Wonderful melodies with some very interesting and inventive touches. Fibich had excellent command of the orchestra and combined German romantic expertise with Czech playfulness."