Search - Antonin Dvorak, Vaclav Talich, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra :: Václav Talich plays Dvorák

Musically satisfying, sonically dismal

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 04/15/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I've known for years that among Dvorak enthusiasts, Vaclav Talich is considered the last word in conducting the master's music. but I've hesitated to collect Talich recordings because of their notoriously bad sound quality. Czehcoslovakia wasn't exactly in the forefront of recording technology, particularly in Talich's heyday from the late 30s to the early 50s. My fears were born out here in this otherwise excellent collection of overtures and incidental pieces. Othello, recorded in 1951, and the Carnaval Over. from 1952 are passable, although the sonics are dull and cramped. The best performance here is a beautifully shaped version of In Nature's Realm, but the 1948 sound is murky. In the end, I'm not sure even Talich's talents are enough to keep me searching for more of his recordings, but others may feel differently."