Search - Antonin Dvorak, Bedrich Smetana, Rafael Kubelik :: Smetana: Die Moldau; Aus Böhmens Hain und Flur; Dvorák: Slavonic Dances

Slavonic Dances Not Complete

SolusChristus | Grand Rapids, MI | 10/02/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"First, some dry technical information. Apparently, this CD only contains 6 of the Op. 46 Slavonic Dances (ommitting nos. 5 & 8), and 2 of the Op. 72 Slavonic Dances (nos. 2 & 8 respectively). The first two Smetana works were recorded by Kubelik with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, while the remaining Slavonic Dances were recorded with Kubelik's very own Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra.



1. The Moldau (Vitava): The Moldau (Vltava)

2. From Bohemia's Meadows And Forests

3. Slavonic Dances Op.46: No. 1 in C Major: Presto

4. Slavonic Dances Op.46: No. 2 In E Minor: Allegretto Schezando

5. Slavonic Dances Op.46: No. 3 In A Flat Major: Poco Allegro

6. Slavonic Dances Op.46: No. 4 In F Major: Tempo di Minuetto

7. Slavonic Dances Op.46: No.6 In D Major: Allegretto Scherzando

8. Slavonic Dances Op.46: No.7 In C Minor: Alegro assai

9. Slavonic Dances Op.72: No.2 in E minor: Allegretto Grazioso

10. Slavonic Dances Op.72: No.8 In A Flat Mijor: Grazioso e lento, ma non troppo, quasi Tempo di Valse



My personal favorites out of the first set are probably nos. 1, 2, 6, 7, and 8 (the last one probably being left out of this CD), but no. 2 from the second set is probably the most famous of the bunch.



As for the quality of these works, other reviewers have already pointed out that Kubelik's recording of the Slavonic Dances is one of the finest (indeed, arguably THE finest) ever to be made of these magnificent, joyous works. Kubelik's brisk tempos, emotional passion, warm sound, and perfect control of his orchestra make this recording arguably THE one to have for these works. (Other highly recommended recordings include those by Harnoncourt, Mackerras, Szell, and Neumann).



The only question left in my mind is whether this recording is of the older, tinnier-sounding Slavonic Dances, or the newer remastered edition put out by Deutsche Grammaphon in 1998. This recording was supposedly issued in 2008, suggesting that DG made use of the latter remastered version, but Amazon Canada lists a CD with an almost identical front cover as being issued in 1990.



With that being said, this is a great recording if you're looking only for a partial set of the Slavonic Dances along with Smetana's famous "Die Moldau" (a piece from which the Israeli national anthem was supposedly derived)."