Symphony No. 9 In E minor, op 95: Adagio - Allegro Molto
Symphony No. 9 In E minor, op 95: Largo
Symphony No. 9 In E minor, op 95: Molto vivace
Symphony No. 9 In E minor, op 95: Allegro con fuoco
Slavonic Dances: Dumka, op. 72,2
Slavonic Dances: Sousedsk?, op. 46,6
Slavonic Dances: Furiant, op. 46,8
This sizzling performance of Dvorák's last symphony came as something of a surprise. Kurt Masur is usually a solid but unexciting conductor. It seems that he really loves this symphony, for his performance is as dynam... more »ic and passionate as any in the catalog. What's less controversial is the fact that he has the New York Philharmonic playing magnificently, making this also one of the best versions around from the technical point of view. It's up there with the select few, no doubt about it. --David Hurwitz« less
This sizzling performance of Dvorák's last symphony came as something of a surprise. Kurt Masur is usually a solid but unexciting conductor. It seems that he really loves this symphony, for his performance is as dynamic and passionate as any in the catalog. What's less controversial is the fact that he has the New York Philharmonic playing magnificently, making this also one of the best versions around from the technical point of view. It's up there with the select few, no doubt about it. --David Hurwitz
CD Reviews
"Going Home" Greatness
Jay W. Kvale | Albert Lea, MN United States | 05/24/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Of the 100 or so recordings of Dvorak's last and best known symphony, this one goes to the top of the list. Maestro Masur and his superb orchestra play with precision and passion, breathing both drama and poetry into this great work. The opening movement begins slowly but then sweeps the listener along with rich string playing and exquisite flute solos, culminating in a truly awesome trombone entrance at the end. Thomas Stacy's playing of the famous "going home" theme in the Largo will melt your heart, and again the brass choirs open the gates of heaven in awesome fashion near the end, followed by a magical transition to the serene coda. The third movement is taken at a leisurely pace, allowing the woodwind solos to breathe and sing, but the drama returns with a powerfully played finale. The three lively Slavonic Dances are also well-played but anticlimactic after the magnificent performance of the symphony. Taken from a live performance, the recording has a few unobtrusive noises and a couple of overly loud horn entrances, but the sense of almost "being there" and participating in the grand sweep, power, and beauty of a special occasion, along with the near-perfection of the playing, completely overcome any reservations. The Teldec engineers have captured it in rich and spacious sound, which displays Dvorak's Slavic sound and wonderful orchestral effects in marvelous detail. This recording is a must for all those who appreciate great music and great orchestral playing."
One of the New York Philharmonic's best in the Masur era
John Kwok | New York, NY USA | 03/30/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Kurt Masur is often criticized for being a gifted technician, but emotionally uninspiring, at the podium. Such criticism isn't valid here. This is one of the most emotionally stirring performances I have heard of Dvorak's "New World" 9th Symphony, ably recorded by Teldec's sound engineers. Masur pours his heart and soul into his conducting, and the result is a splendid, technically superb, yet vibrant, performance by the New York Philharmonic. The winds, brass and string sections play with much exuberant warmth, without missing Masur's cues for technical perfection. As usual, Teldec's engineers have produced a well-balanced recording which captures all the subtle textures in this monumental work of late 19th Century classical music. When Kurt Masur finally leaves the podium as the New York Philharmonic's music director next spring, this recording will be long remembered as one of his finest artistic triumphs."
Remarkable
J. Buxton | Waltham, MA United States | 01/03/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I just received this cd for Christmas, and I can tell you it is marvellous. It far surpasses the other three versions I own of this piece. I was also shocked to see the respected "Penguin Guide to Classical CD's" not include this in their recommended list of Dvorak nines. I fail to find any fault with this performance, and indeed the sound and energy are absolutely invigorating while at the same time lyrical and poetic. This is just a great disc."
Masur at his very best!
Daniel Graser | Wappingers Falls, New York United States | 04/29/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wow! Where the heck did this come from? There isn't one note here without energy, direction, and passion. The New York Phil sounds great as always but with an added layer of warmth especially in the strings and brass. For a long time, Solti's recording with Chicago was by far my favorite but I think this has overtaken it. The major difference between the two is the largo. Simply put, it has never been played better than on this recording. Thomas Stacy's english horn solo is beautifully phrased with a huge and warm timbre. The finale rips through with great vigor and intensity but is never out of balance. I could literally exhaust my vocabulary of hyperbole but I will end it here. Best recording of this great work!"
Track Listings (7) - Disc #1