Search - Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra :: Dvorak: The Nine Symphonies

Worthy new Dvorak symphony cycle

Daniel W. Fowler | Austin TX | 07/23/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Conductor Ivan Anguelov and the Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra recorded this full set of Dvorak symphonies between 2001 and 2004. While the booklet notes that the orchestra has been around since 1929, I confess to being unfamiliar with both conductor and orchestra. However, a tip on the newsgroup rec.music.classical.recordings led me to purchase this set, and I am glad I did. The orchestra plays with great orchestral color that captures burnished horn tones and great woodwind playing. Rhythms and phrasing are just right. Anguelov's interpretations offer exciting portrayals of each symphony; there is not a dud performance in the whole lot, and the infrequently included (at least in Dvorak symphony cycles) Bohemian Suite is a great delight. The recorded sound is first-rate.



How then to rate this offering in the competitive world of Dvorak cycles? I would rate it the equal in sound to the offering by Neumann and the Czech Philharmonic, though I would probably pick the Neumann cycle as my first choice. Both offer great interpretations, excellent recorded sound, and wonderfully original playing by the orchestra. The Kertesz cycle introduced me to many of these works and is still a sentimental favorite despite more dated sonics (good analog stereo sound). I would also recommend the Szell/Cleveland orchestra perfomance of symphonies 7-9 and any Dvorak performance by Ancerl conducting the Czech Philharmonic.



But the Anguelov set is a real keeper, even compared with all of these other fabulous performances."

Consistently fine, but not for all tastes

Paul Bubny | Maplewood, NJ United States | 08/11/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This integral set of the Dvorak symphonies offers a level of consistency not often matched in complete cycles of this music. Ivan Anguelov brings out the structural integrity of even the early symphonies, which too often are dismissed as jerry-built, and conducts with a fervent intensity that is undeniably galvanizing. However, those who like a little sugar in their coffee, so to speak, may not find Anguelov's "modern" approach to phrasing and accents congenial--Dvorak here is not quite as lovable and relaxed as usual. A passage such as the opening bars of the Fifth Symphony sounds less evocative of a sunlit early morning than it does in, say, the Kertesz performance. Listeners who prefer a more traditional, Romantic style may want to look elsewhere, but for a fresh approach, Anguelov is a strong contender."

A real classic!

B. G. Reinhart | Houston, TX | 10/24/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This delightful box contains some of the best Dvorak symphony recordings ever made, and announces the arrival of a terrific new conductor - and a world-class orchestra - onto the global stage. Make no mistake: this is a great cycle in nearly every way, and the performances of the early symphonies are positively definitive.



Conductor Ivan Anguelov thankfully sees merit even in the first symphony, though most music experts and listeners tend to dismiss the first four or five as "irrelevant" or "amateur". Not so. This performance makes the Second Symphony in particular stand out as a real gem, an early flowering of Dvorak's Czech pride with joyous, beautiful melodies, glorious wind writing, and a generous dollop of folk-style music in the last two movements. Granted, this symphony won't be winning awards for drama, but it is a cheery little classic.



The Fourth Symphony is also rendered beautifully. This is the opposite of the second, a brooding, dark work informed (in the second movement especially) by the styles of Wagner. Anguelov steers through the piece well, ensuring that the slow movement isn't too slow (other conductors can make it a dull dirge), shaping a snappy scherzo, and - miraculously - avoiding repetitiveness in the finale, which has become notorious as one of Dvorak's dullest movements. At least, that's what it sounds like in other performances. Ivan Anguelov's goal in the first four symphonies is clearly to force a reassessment of these neglected works, and his argument wins the day.



Of course, the last five symphonies are still better-written. The performance of the Fifth is fresh and snappy (I'm listening right now); the Sixth builds to a big, bold conclusion, and the Eighth Symphony features some of the slowest tempos ever attempted in the first movement - and they're pulled off successfully. In fact, woodwind detail I'd never heard before (listen for the flutes in the central development passage) and a terrific scherzo and finale make this one of my two favorite recordings of the Eighth - the other one being Otmar Suitner's legendary account.



I didn't mention the Seventh: it's a special case. The first two movements are performed fantastically, and if they might seem a little speedy at times they are still alternately incredibly dramatic and lyrical. The scherzo opens a little quickly but settles in well. My reservations concern the finale. Everything goes well, though a touch too slowly, until the final coda, which is tremendously disappointing. I was furious to hear the orchestra let me down - furious not because it was THAT bad, but because everything else had been so close to perfect.



The Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra's name may make it sound like a provincial band - but they are a truly world class ensemble. They first hinted at the miraculous in their recording of Gliere's Symphony No. 3, which aside from some sloppy engineering showed them to be a startlingly good orchestra with phenomenal woodwind players. Then the Naxos operetta recording of "The Gypsy Princess" came along and I began to suspect how good this group was - but this symphony set really seals the deal. They are almost perfect for this music, and never put a foot wrong. There is so much to hear and love in this set - too many examples of terrific playing, clear sonics, and new detail to begin to list any.



Kudos to conductor Ivan Anguelov, then. He and this shockingly great orchestra have come along and given us a box set for the ages. My first recommendation is still Otmar Suitner's box, since Suitner has a better 7th and costs only $20 (!!) for five CDs, but this cycle comes with the Czech Suite as a bonus, and Anguelov's performances of the Symphonies 1-4 have never, ever been equaled. The choice is yours."