Superb performances of musical gems.
D. R. Schryer | Poquoson, VA United States | 09/19/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"George Szell seems to have held a patent on performing Dvorak's Slavonic Dances. Each dance -- whether fast or slow, or some combination of the two -- is a brilliant little gem, with every rhythm, lilt, and nuance handled superbly. Add to that the fact that the orchestra is the Cleveland Orchestra in its prime and this CD is a treat that no music lover should resist."
Amongst all the praise, don't forget Dvorak.
John Austin | Kangaroo Ground, Australia | 12/29/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Enthusiastic discussion of this bargain CD can be found on the internet, in buyers guides, and review magazines. Listening to it again today, I was most impressed by something that reviewers sometimes neglect - namely, the endless variety of ideas, dance styles, tempi and forms that Dvorak includes. He makes his contemporaries such as Brahms seem predictable, and the Strauss Brothers hide-bound. This richness and variety has additional appeal to those of us who live in an age when the press of a button can provide an hour and a quarter of dances, one after another. So that is my response to the many reviews this CD has prompted. The accolades for Szell, the Clevelanders, and engineers and the budget marketers are all deserved. I don't want Dvorak, however, to be forgotten."
I'd heard it, now I believe it!
John Austin | 11/23/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Many people had told me that George Szell's recording of the Slovanic Dances was THE recording to get. Being a skeptic of older recordings, I was hesitant to break down and order this, but at such a cheap price, I figured it wouldn't be a big loss. Putting the CD in, I expected to hear hiss and crackles, but to my surprise, I hear neither. The performances are have excitement, full sound/range, and in general are excellent. Time and time again, I am surprised what "they" are able to do in restoring old recordings. If you're interested in these masterpieces by the Melody Maker (Dvorak), save yourself money as well as get the best recording (i.e. this one)."