Search - Dvorak, Previn, Lap :: Symphonies 7 & 8

Previn and the L.A. Phil serve up a very satisyfying Dvorak

A. Braid | New York, NY | 03/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What simply wonderful symphonies these are. If you're only familiar with the "New World", do yourself a favor and get acquainted with Dvorak's other middle and late Symphonies Five through Eight. Each has the classic rhythms, orchestration, and memorable melodies that make Dvorak's music such a joy to listen to. Hear the wonderful melancholic cello opening of the Eighth Symphony and how the flute entrance shifts the mood and leads the orchestra to the first tutti section. And the rondo movement of the Eighth with, again, great cello parts, a rousing trumpet call, and that dazzling flute solo that reaches up above the flute's high C. The Seventh is also top notch with the 6/4 scherzo that keeps shifting where the strong beats are. These are fine performances by the L.A. Philharmonic and the engineers have done a great job. About the Seventh Gramophone magazine writes "Previn directs a tautly rhythmic account of this greatest of the Dvorak symphonies... The freshness of woodwind sound helps to bring out Czech flavours, and the horn solo in the slow movement is satisfyingly warm and beautifully phrased." And of the Eighth: "The warmth and freshness of the performance go with the finest recorded sound I have yet heard from this orchestra on record... One hopes that without Previn the ever more refined Los Angeles orchestra will continue making recordings as attractive as this." (Previn made these recordings in 1989, his last of five seasons as music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.) Just about 75 minutes of music for you to feast your ears on. And then find good recordings of Dvorak's Fifth and Sixth (Cleveland Orch, Czech Philharmonic)."

A real contender...

Frank C. Adams | Boston, MA United States | 01/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Inasmuch as the Dvorak 7th is my favorite of all symphonies, I have at least ten versions with my constant favorite being the Colin Davis / Concertgebeow performance. BUT...this performance is the closest contender. Previn's interpretation captures the nationalistic fervor and glory of Dvorak in his prime. Plus beautiful playing and the advantage of Telarc engineering. Oh, the 8th? Excellent as well. Recommended as one of top choices in a crowded field offering many great ones - a bargain also."