Search - Dvorak, Talich, Czech Philahrmonic :: Symphonies 7 & 8

Dvorak's original and venerable champion

Jeffrey Lee | Asheville area, NC USA | 07/26/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Here are milestone performances of these two magnificent symphonies. Considering these are from recordings made in the 1930s, the sound of these discs is really pretty good. But, if you must have stereo, you will miss interpretations that constitute the finest examples in teaching other conductors how Dvorak should be expressed. Talich's view of the Eighth is superb enough for me to place it at the top of the list of Eighths along with Kubelik and Kertesz (both recorded in stereo); however, his view of the Seventh is special. It is just about the most songful and lovingly played of all Seventh's I have ever heard. One is never conscious that the conductor is striving for effect. What is given simply and straightforwardly serves the art of musical expression. Focusing, in particular, on the third and fourth movements, you will hear how Talich revels in presenting each phrase, each nuance. There is also a marvelous sense of musical continuity that leads to a wholly convincing finale. My preferred Sevenths in stereo are the dynamic Szell, nicely detailed and refreshing Bernstein and lyrical Kubelik/Berlin."

Historical recordings!

Hiram Gomez Pardo | Valencia, Venezuela | 11/19/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Among the enormous list of emerging nationalist composers in the second half of the XIX Century, the name of Dvorak still stands out as one of the most prominent and reminded. His Symphonic Op. always were tinged with the seed of the folk element, profoundly honest and highly expressive.



Vaclav Talich and the Czech Philharmonic knew how express with such admirable fervor, towering emotion and scintillating energy the essential facts of this fervent and passionate composer, enrooted in the purest tradition of the Czech folklore.



Both Symphonies are performed with that commitment level and sumptuous lyricism, so hard to find in those ages. Visceral energy, mercurial rapture and mesmerizing phrasing make of this set an absolute must for all those who from time to time get close to Dvorak to enjoy over and over about his overwhelming depiction of Pastoral inspiration.



Totally recommended.

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