Dvorak: Legends

On this CD:

1. Legends (10), for orchestra (arr. from, B. 117), B. 122 (Op. 59)
Composed by Antonin Dvorak
Performed by Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by David Zinman

Customer Reviews:

breakdown by cd........2007-01-14

CD1-7:SYMPHONIES 1-9

CD8:PIANO CONCERTO

CD9:VIOLIN CONCERTO & CELLO CONCERTO

CD10-11:REQUIEM

CD12-13:STABAT MATER

CD14:PIANO TRIOS OP.90 "DUMKY" & 21

CD15:PIANO TRIOS OP.65 & 26

CD16:PIANO QUARTETS

CD17:PIANO QUINTETS

CD18:STRING QUINTETS

CD19-20:MUSIC FOR VIOLIN AND PIANO

C21:SERENADE/HAUSMUSIK

CD22-31:THE COMPLETE STRING QUARTETS

CD32:SLAVONIC DANCES OP.46 & 72

CD33:PIANO DUET SLAVONIC DANCES

CD34:PIANO DUET LEGENDS FROM THE BOHEMIAN FOREST

CD35:PIANO WORKS

CD36-37:RUSALKA

CD38-40:SYMPHONIC POEMS

I'm not a music expert.......2005-08-25

I don't know too much about music. I own over 700 cds, but I don't play music and I don't have much experience with this music. My only point of reference was the ninth symphony, seeing as every other piece in this box set was new to me. It sounds fine, nothing wrong with it as far as I can see.

Now, here's what you'll get in this box set, seeing as Amazon does not give it a description. 40 cds! no joke, you get 40 cds in this box set. It features:
1. Complete symphonies
2. Complete symphonic poems
3. Cello concerto
4. Piano concerto
5. Violin concerto
6. Requiem
7. Stabat Mater
8. Slavonic Dances
9. Complete String quartets
10. Chamber music
11. Piano Works (solo and duet)
12. Rusalka

As far as I can tell, the only things missing are The Spectre's Bride and Jacobin. Seeing as it is 40 cds, i have not had an opportunity to listen to it, however what i have heard i have been quite satisfied with.

Average customer rating:

'ONE CANNOT BUT ENVY THE MAN'
Surprising work...
For all music lovers
Little Known Dvorak Played Well By Fischer and BFO
Rich emotions, perfect delivery

Dvorák: Legends
Dvorak , Bfo , and Fischer
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Dvorák: Piano Quartets
Dvorák: A Hero's Song; Czech Suite; Hussite Overture; Festival March
Glinka: Orchestral Works
Dvorak: Piano Quintet, Op. 81/ String Quartet, Op. 51
Chopin: Piano Concertos 1 & 2

ASIN: B00004YMLT
Release Date: 2000-11-14

Tracks:

Legends, Op. 59: No. 1 In D Minor
Legends, Op. 59: No. 2 In G Major
Legends, Op. 59: No. 3 In G Minor
Legends, Op. 59: No. 4 In C Major
Legends, Op. 59: No. 5 In A Flat Major
Legends, Op. 59: No. 6 In C Sharp Major
Legends, Op. 59: No. 7 In A Major
Legends, Op. 59: No. 8 In F Major
Legends, Op. 59: No. 9 In D Major
Legends, Op. 59: No. 10 In B Flat Minor
Notturno In B Major, Op. 40
Miniature, Op. 75a: Cavatina
Miniature, Op. 75a: Capriccio
Miniature, Op. 75a: Romanza
Miniature, Op. 75a: Elegia
Prague Waltzes

Amazon.com

Dvorák was a master of the miniature, as this attractive disc of some of his lesser-known pieces for chamber orchestra proves. He was also adept at recycling. Asked by his publisher to come up with something to top his enormously popular Slavonic Dances, written originally as a piano duet, Dvorák produced Legends, also for two pianos. More introspective than the dances (although no one knows which legends he based them on), the 10 movements proved just as attractive and Dvorák was asked to orchestrate five of them. Instead, he orchestrated the lot for small string orchestra. Notturno, a six-minute salvage job from an abandoned string quartet, is a wonderful discovery. Miniatures, orchestrated from a four-part set for violin and piano, which were themselves fashioned out of pieces the violinist found too difficult to play, are delightful, and Prague Waltzes, written the year before Legends for a ball in Prague, are enough to get any toe tapping. Throughout, the playing of the Budapest Festival Orchestra under Ivan Fischer is spot on. --Richard Fawkes

Customer Reviews:

'ONE CANNOT BUT ENVY THE MAN'.......2007-05-29

That is Brahms talking, asking his publisher Simrock to pass on his compliments to Dvorak over the latter's `Legends' for orchestra. This is a gorgeous little disc. One item, the Notturno in which the liner-note writer hears influence from Wagner, strikes a solemn tone and takes some listening to before one can recognise the composer, but the rest of it is a box of musical chocolates. What the Legends are legends of the composer never said, but Brahms does not even seem to have bothered to enquire, so I am not asking either. They are melodious and charming orchestral miniatures lasting between two and a half minutes and five and a half minutes each. They show Dvorak at his most agreeable and his least pretentious, with the Czech elements free from self-consciousness and the orchestration as colourful as he could always make it without any of the messiness he was prone to at times.

The `Miniatures' are an inauthentic but perfectly appropriate 20th century styling for a set of four pieces that Dvorak turned out in a hurry for two violinists and a viola player who had not been able to cope with the Terzetto that he originally wrote with them in mind. He had also arranged the pieces, still in a rush, as violin/piano duos and methodical research disproves his own confused recollection that that had been their original format. The instrumental combination restricts the bass to C in the bass clef, and while I thoroughly enjoy the Terzetto played by soloists in my fine performance from the Lindsays, I think I am probably glad of several players to each of the three parts as I am offered the works here. To round matters off there are some fine hearty Prague Waltzes using a larger orchestra than in the Legends. However nothing on this disc is amazingly loud, and to get the greatest enjoyment I suggest a high volume-setting.

I'm not sure that either the performances or the recorded quality (DDD) really call for the hyperbolical superlatives lavished on them by The Penguin Guide, but both are excellent and both easily satisfy my own moderate demands. The liner note with the British edition, from Patrick Lambert, is an absolute model of its kind, and I hope it is available internationally. The information conveyed is relevant and clear and exactly what I am looking for. The signs of better times in the liner-note industry generally are getting stronger and more persistent, so here's hoping. The main thing is of course the music, and I don't think we need Brahms to tell us how enjoyable it is.

Surprising work..........2006-08-03

I bought this CD not knowing that much about Dvorak or where these pieces fit in to his overall body of work. I only knew I loved his ninth symphony since I first heard it in a college music class. I wanted to explore his music further and this CD was my first sojourn into Dvorak's music beyond the ninth. It was not a bad place to start.

Legends should be viewed as a counterpoint to Dvorak's Slavonic Dances. They were written in between the two cycles of Slavonic Dances and, while originally written for piano, Dvorak orchestrated them with a colorful, yet restrained use of the orchestra. I came to Legends before actually hearing the Slavonic Dances. Having now heard both, Legends shines more as a cycle greatly diverse and adventurous in its moods and style. While more relaxing and subdued than the Slavonic Dances, it is still equally melodic and engaging.

However, what makes this disc worthwhile is not Legends, but what else is included. Minatures (what I have since found is a slight reworking of Dvorak's Romance for Piano and Violin, hence the op. 75a), is absolutely wonderful and positively the highlight of the disc. Dvorak was a viola player and he knew how to write for strings. While relatively short (the first two movements are only around three minutes each) the work as a whole carries delightful pulsing melodies. Like Legends, it also strikes very distinctive moods, yet manages to retain an intimate and warm quality that makes for a fine listening experience.

This CD also benefits from being recently recorded in 1999. Several of Dvorak's works, while propelled by great performances, were recorded 20-30 years ago and do not benefit completely from the digital process from start to finish. This recording does and the sound is top quality as a result. Ivan Fischer also deserves mention in choosing material for this disc that shows the absolute tuneful scope of Dvorak's writing.

This album is a worthwhile step forward for anyone wanting to explore Dvorak's work further. The pieces included here might not be as recognized as the Slavonic Dances or others in the Dvorak canon, but you will find they are among his most satisfying.

For all music lovers.......2004-12-17

Fantastic record decently played. For once the reviews are correct Legends are first class lyrical,moving, pieces. All should hear this disc which is a joy from first to last. Dvorak was a great composer though no Beethoven of course. Forget his Slavonic Dances which are merely tedious after the first couple of times this stuff is much better. Try it!

Little Known Dvorak Played Well By Fischer and BFO.......2003-07-16

This is a magnificient little CD of Dvorak's lesser known small works for orchestra. Ivan Fischer leads the Budapest Festival Orchestra in amply warm, lyrical performances of these works. The highlight may be the Nocturno, but my own personal favorites are the waltzes at the end of the CD. The sound recording is absolutely first rate, rich in sonority. Fans of Dvorak and Ivan Fischer will not be disappointed in this recording, which deserves its superb accolade in the most recent edition of the Penguin Guide to Classical Music.

Rich emotions, perfect delivery.......2001-05-24

This recording reaches exceptional heights. Emotions grasp you without control and fly you over the borders of passion. Then you find yourself floating on pure music in an incomparable feeling of cleanness. This is a perfect musical match to our young and innocent but already complex selves we all used to be. A hopeful gaze on life.

Average customer rating:

Gran Final...
Rowicki Is Best In The Early Works
Delightful Dvorak

Dvorák: The Late Symphonies

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Antonin Dvorak: The Early Symphonies, Vol. II
Antonín Dvorák: The Early Symphonies, Volume 1
Beethoven: Piano Concertos 3 & 4
Beethoven: Violin Concerto; Violin Romances
Bruch: The Complete Violin Concertos

ASIN: B0000041NA
Release Date: 1997-11-11

Tracks:

Symphony No. 7 In D Minor, Op. 70: 1. Allegro maestoso
Symphony No. 7 In D Minor, Op. 70: 2. Poco adagio
Symphony No. 7 In D Minor, Op. 70: 3. Scherzo Vivace
Symphony No. 7 In D Minor, Op. 70: 4. Finale. Allegro
Symphony No. 9 In E Minor, Op. 95 'From The New World': 1. Adagio - Allegro molto
Symphony No. 9 In E Minor, Op. 95 'From The New World': 2. Largo
Symphony No. 9 In E Minor, Op. 95 'From The New World': 3. Scherzo. Molto vivace
Symphony No. 9 In E Minor, Op. 95 'From The New World': 4. Allegro con fuoco

Tracks:

The Late Symphonies - Legends: 1. Allegro con brio
The Late Symphonies - Legends: 2. Adagio
The Late Symphonies - Legends: 3. Allegretto grazioso
The Late Symphonies - Legends: 4. Allegro ma non troppo
The Late Symphonies - Legends: 1. Allegretto
The Late Symphonies - Legends: 2. Molto moderato
The Late Symphonies - Legends: 3. Allegro giusto
The Late Symphonies - Legends: 4. Molto maestoso
The Late Symphonies - Legends: 5. Allegro giusto
The Late Symphonies - Legends: 6. Allegro con moto
The Late Symphonies - Legends: 7. Allegretto grazioso
The Late Symphonies - Legends: 8. Un poco allegretto e grazioso
The Late Symphonies - Legends: 9. Andante con moto
The Late Symphonies - Legends: 10. Andante

Amazon.com

Witold Rowicki's complete set of Dvorák symphonies on Philips has now been rereleased in three twofer packages, making it a very attractive proposition. These fleet, dramatic performances are better played and recorded than István Kertész's competing recordings for London Records with the same orchestra. There isn't a single dud in the batch, and if you enjoy this set of the last three symphonies, you'll want the others too. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Gran Final..........2005-01-05

Rowicki completa en este CD la entrega formidable de las 9 sinfonias del genio checo, es verdaderamente impresionante una coleccion generosa, pulcra, espontanea y sencillamente genial.
La septima es una obra grandiosa, esta version es espectacular, un sonido perfecto una presentacion soberbia, la octava es de las mejores, una version explosiva, espontanea, fiel y luminosa, realmente incomparable.
La novena, la reina de las sinfonias de Dvorak es espectacular, los sonidos grandiosos, en una interpretacion increible.
La orquesta sinfonica de Londres es y sera una de las mejores orquestas del mundo y se nota, cada instrumento a plenitud, cada nota en el momento preciso, grandioso.
Raymond Leppard nos entrega en un gran añadido las Leyendas una seleccion de momentos musicales geniales, no son obras dificiles de escuchar o de contenido intenso, pero es una obra que se agradece por su originalidad y porque ciertamente no es de las que aparecen disponibles facilmente.
Un CD grandioso que cierra el ciclo, Rowicki sencillamente genial y la London Symphony Orchestra perfecta.

Rowicki Is Best In The Early Works.......2004-05-19

I concur with critic Hurwitz that the complete Rowicki set is "better played and recorded than Istvan Kertesz's." I think the same holds true versus Kubelik's set. However, Rowicki's fast, literal performances of Dvorak's three late symphonies are bettered by others. Here are my suggestions for putting together a satisfying collection of all nine symphonies:

#1. The early "Bells of Zlonice," rather in the same way as Bruckner's 1st, offers few suggestions of the masterworks that would come later. Rowicki's strikes me as a clear winner here.

#2. This was probably the best thing in the Kertesz set - but Rowicki for me is distinctly preferable.

#3. Rowicki is here, too, the clear choice in stereo. I still have a slight preference for the old Smetacek on Parliament LP.

#4. Again, Rowicki is the one to have in modern sound. The old Neumann on Parliament LP was perhaps a little more Czech in feeling.

#5. It is when we get to Symphonies 5-9 that Rowicki runs into stiff competition. He is my first choice in stereo, but a far more idiomatic performance by Karel Sejna and the Czech Phil. (with the greatest-ever readings of the lovely Slavonic Rhapsodies) was on Supraphon 1917. A fine, if rather Germanic, interpretation by Johannes Schuler and the Leipzig Radio was once on Urania LP.

#6. Here, I'm afraid Rowicki is out of his league. The finest ever in stereo was Ancerl's 1966 Czech Phil. account (with superb traversals of the overtures My Home, Husitska, and Carnival) on Supraphon. Even better was the 1938 Vaclav Talich on a Koch-Legacy CD. But my all-time favorite remains the wonderful 1951 Sejna/Czech Phil. (coupled with a glorious 7th) on Supraphon. The Scherzo (Furiant) has a rustic swing that remains unmatched.

#7. Rowicki is excellent, but there are even better alternatives. In addition to Sejna, there was a magnificent 1938 first recording by Talich & the Czech Phil. (on Tahra, with Talich's 8 & 9). My favorite in stereo: Constantin Silvestri with the Vienna Phil. (in a 10-disc EMI CD set devoted to that superb conductor).

#8. Rowicki is rather faceless here. A better "straight" reading from George Szell/Cleveland was on EMI (his 1951 Amsterdam Concertgebouw account was also remarkable). I love the Silvestri/Royal Phil. on EMI - but some may find it over-romantic. The finest readings for me are all with the Czech Phil. The 1935 Talich (Tahra) was more expansive (slower) than his 1951 reading on Supraphon (coupled with benchmark accounts of In Nature's Realm, Carnival, and Othello). I adore both. An affectionate live version by Frantisek Stupka (1951) was on Arlecchino. Karel Ancerl's exciting live 1960 account (Praga) is preferable to his live 1970 reading with the Concertgebouw (in his volume of EMI's "Great Conductors" series).

#9. Rowicki disappears in a huge thicket of competing versions of the "New World." There is a reading for every taste - among those I would suggest auditioning are Erich Kleiber (Naxos), Oswald Kabasta (live 1941 on M&A, once mistaken for a Furtwangler performance), the 1940 Stokowski (M&A), the 1941 Mengelberg (Teldec, with a GREAT Franck D Minor), a 1948 Malko (Danacord; preferable to his later one on EMI), and the Fritz Reiner (RCA - that's how I learned the work). Silvestri's dramatic account (Angel LP) is not yet on CD. I would avoid the ponderous Bernstein (Sony), the neutral Jarvi (Chandos), the unidiomatic Karajan (EMI), the faceless Previn (Telarc), and the over-analyzed Giulini (Sony).

Unfortunately, the great Czech conductor Karel Sejna left no recording of 9 or 8. A very romantic version (c.1959) by Russian conductor Nicholai Anosov was once on a Melodiya LP - it took the first mvt. repeat (unusual back then). A nice live performance (1975) by Jaroslav Krombholc & the Prague Radio is on Multisonic. I have not run down a copy of Stupka's - he was Talich's second in command and was a flavorful Dvorak conductor. My two favorite conductors in this work are Talich and Ancerl, both with the Czech Phil. There are several Ancerls kicking around - I think his 1961 studio version (Supraphon) is best. Talich made three recordings - for me, the last one from 1954 (Supraphon) is THE New World to have, if you are having only one.

Delightful Dvorak.......2003-07-20

Witold Rowicki's Complete Dvorak Symphony Cycle with the London Symphony Orchestra is truly something special. This Philips Duo CD is Volume 3 in a series, and this title collects his last three Symphonies. (Make sure you don't confuse this title with a similar Philips Duo CD featuring Symphonies 7-9 with Colin Davis -- see my review.) Rowicki's Dvorak Cycle has to be ranked with those by Kubelik and Kertesz as the three best performances available on disc. I started with the Kubelik, then got the Kertesz, but I may have saved the best for last. By the way, you should be prepared to get Volumes 1 & 2 after buying this one.

Average customer rating:

Dvorak: Legends

Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000009HYN
Release Date: 1992-05-28

Tracks:

Legends, Op.59: I. Allegretto
Legends, Op.59: II. Molto Moderato
Legends, Op.59: III. Allegro Giusto Andante - Allegro Giusto
Legends, Op.59: IV. Molto Maestoso
Legends, Op.59: V. Allegro Giusto
Legends, Op.59: VI. Allegro Con Molto Moderato - Tempo I
Legends, Op.59: VII. Allegretto Grazioso Poco Piu Mosso - Tempo I
Legends, Op.59: VIII. Un Poco Allegretto E Grazioso
Legends, Op.59: IX. Andante Con Molto
Legends, Op.59: X. Andante

Dvorák: Cello Concerto; Ibert: Concerto for Cello & Wind Instruments

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Dvorák: Cello Concerto; Ibert: Concerto for Cello & Wind Instruments

Manufacturer: BBC Legends
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Strauss: Don Quixote; Lalo: Cello Concerto

ASIN: B0002XL27U
Release Date: 2004-10-19

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Adagio Ma Non Troppo
III. Finale. Allegro Moderato
I. Pastorale. Allant - Plus Anime - Mouvement Du Debut
II. Romance. Souple
III. Gigue. Anime - Cadence - Vite

Dvorák: Terzetto, Op. 74; String Quartet, Op. 105; Janácek: String Quartet No. 1

Average customer rating:

Dvorák: Terzetto, Op. 74; String Quartet, Op. 105; Janácek: String Quartet No. 1

Manufacturer: BBC Legends
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000ENC6VY
Release Date: 2006-04-18

Average customer rating:

Kempe Conducts Beethoven & Prokofiev

Manufacturer: BBC Legends
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000056P0M
Release Date: 2001-02-27

Tracks:

Leonore Ov No.3, Op.72a: Adagio - Allegro
The Love For Three Oranges - Sym Ste, Op.33bis: I. Les Ridicules. Vivo
The Love For Three Oranges - Sym Ste, Op.33bis: II. Le Magicien Tchelio Et Fata Morgana Jouent...
The Love For Three Oranges - Sym Ste, Op.33bis: III. Marche. Tempo Di Marcia
The Love For Three Oranges - Sym Ste, Op.33bis: IV. Scherzo. Allegro Con Brio
The Love For Three Oranges - Sym Ste, Op.33bis: V. Le Prince Dt La Princesse. Andantino
The Love For Three Oranges - Sym Ste, Op.33bis: VI. La Fuite. Allegro - Andante Assai - Allegro...
Sym No.9 in e, Op.95 'From The New World': I. Adagio - Allegro Molto
Sym No.9 in e, Op.95 'From The New World': II. Largo
Sym No.9 in e, Op.95 'From The New World': III. Scherzo. Molto Vivace
Sym No.9 in e, Op.95 'From The New World': IV. Allegro Con Fuoco

Lucia Popp Sings Schubert, Schoenberg, Strauss, Dvorák, Mahler, Brahms

Average customer rating:

Lucia Popp Sings Schubert, Schoenberg, Strauss, Dvorák, Mahler, Brahms

Manufacturer: BBC Legends
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00023P424
Release Date: 2004-06-29

Tracks:

An Mein Herz, D860
Der Jungling An Der Quelle, D300
Jagers Abendlied, D368
Der Einsame, D800
No.1: Erwartung
No.2: Schenk Mir Deinen Goldenen Kamm
No.3 Erhebung
No.4: Waldsonne
No.1: Wie Erkenn' Ich Mein Treuliegb Vor Andern Nun?
No.2: Guten Morgen's Ist Sankt Valentinstag
No.3: Sie Trugen Ihn Auf Der Bahre Bloss
Mein Auge, Op.37 No.4
Meinem Kinde, Op.37 No.3
Die Zeitlose, Op.10 No.7
Hat Gesagt - Bleibt's Nicht Dabei, Op.36 No.3
Allerseelen, Op.10 No.8
No.1: Goodnight My Darling
No.2: When A Maiden Was A-Mowing
No.3: There Is Nothing Here To Comfort Me
No.4: I Have A Faithful Mare
Starke Einbildungskraft
Ich Ging Mit Lust Durch Einen Grunen Wald
Ablosung Im Sommer
Um Schlimme Kinder Artig Zu Machen
Es Steht Ein Lind, WoO33 No.41 (Folk Song)
Sehnuscht, Op.49 No.3 (Bohemian Folk Song)
We Kumm Ich Dann De Pooz Erenn?, WoO33 No.34 (Folk Song)
Die Trauernde, Op.7 No.5 (Folk Song)
In Stiller Nacht, WoO33 No.42 (Folk Song)

Dvorák: Legends; From the Bohemian Forest

Average customer rating:

Absolutely stunning!!!!

Dvorák: Legends; From the Bohemian Forest

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Dvorák: Four-Hand Piano Music Vol.2
Brahms: Four Hand Piano Music, Vol.2
French Piano Duets

ASIN: B000001452
Release Date: 1996-11-19

Tracks:

Legends, Op. 59, B 117: D Minor
Legends, Op. 59, B 117: G Major
Legends, Op. 59, B 117: G Minor
Legends, Op. 59, B 117: C Major
Legends, Op. 59, B 117: A Flat Major
Legends, Op. 59, B 117: C Sharp Minor
Legends, Op. 59, B 117: A Major
Legends, Op. 59, B 117: F Major
Legends, Op. 59, B 117: D Major
Legends, Op. 59, B 117: B Flat Minor
From Bohemian Forest, Op. 68, B 133: In The Spinning-Room
From Bohemian Forest, Op. 68, B 133: By The Dark Lake
From Bohemian Forest, Op. 68, B 133: Witches' Sabbath
From Bohemian Forest, Op. 68, B 133: On The Watch
From Bohemian Forest, Op. 68, B 133: Silent Woods
From Bohemian Forest, Op. 68, B 133: In Stormy Times

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely stunning!!!!.......2005-06-02

Imagine Brahms best solo piano works with all their compex lyrical expression but without all the heaviness nor the intensity. That's what you've got here---an absolutely beautifully written and played collection of these miniature masterpieces which deserve to be heard, and once they are, will be listened to over and over again. The performances here are amazing --- sometimes crisp, sometimes warm---always with an almost perfectly synchonized precision. And the compositions!!! Dvorak must be the one of histories most sadly underrated composers, known mainly for his 9th symphony, Slavonic Dances and perhaps a few other works. But this recording shows an entirely different side of Dvorak's music----lyrical, inventive, intricate and above all---beautiful.

Dvorák: Symphony No. 2; Legends Nos. 6-10

Average customer rating:

Enthralling
Well Played; Excellent Melodies
more outstanding performances of underrated works
Wonderfully slavic performances!

Dvorák: Symphony No. 2; Legends Nos. 6-10

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Dvorák: Symphony No. 1; Legends Nos. 1-5
Dvorák: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 6
Dvorák: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 7

ASIN: B0000013NS
Release Date: 1994-02-15

Tracks:

Allegro Con Moto
Poco Adagio
Scherzo: Allegro Con Brio
Finale: Allegro Con Fuoco
Allegro Con Moto
Allegretto Grazioso
Un Poco Allegretto E Grazioso
Andante Con Moto
Andante

Customer Reviews:

Enthralling.......2007-06-18

Antonin Dvorak(1841 - 1904): Symphony No. 2 in B Major, Op. 4. Performed by the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, dir. by Stephen Gunzenhauser. Recorded in May 1990 at the Reduta Concert Hall in Bratislava, Slovakia.
Legends Op. 59,1-5. Performed by the Czecho-Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, dir. Stephen Gunzenhauser. Recorded in May 1991 at the Concert Hall of Slovakian Radio in Bratislava, Slovakia.
Released in 1991 as Naxos 8.550267. Total playing time: 73'06".

Just a few weeks ago all I knew of Dvorak's music was his "New World" symphony (No. 9) and his "Slavonic Dances". Stephen Gunzenhauser's interpretation of Symphony No. 9 was good enough, combined with the Penguin Good CD Guide 3-star award for several other volumes in his Dvorak series, for me to start buying and listening to the whole set. And up to now I have certainly not been disappointed. Following on from a fascinating Symphony No. 1 by the 24-year-old Czech composer is his magnificent Symphony No. 2, written in the same year and only performed once, as far as we know, during Dvorak's lifetime. In his notes, the ubiquitous Keith Anderson makes certain comparisons with Beethoven, Wagner and Chopin, but what immediately struck me was how much this sounds like ... Dvorak! Superb combinations of strings and winds and some ear-catching melodies makes this symphony a real winner despite its length (around 53 minutes - some would no doubt speak of "longueurs"), with, to my mind, the second half of the spacious second movement (poco adagio) and the whole of the fourth movement (allegro con fuoco) being enthralling listening. I have no means of comparing this recording with any other of the same repertoire, but I heard nothing in any way untoward here - and that is true not only of the Slovak orchestra with its excellent brass section but also of the engineering, which, while not perhaps perfect, is at the upper end of the Naxos spectrum and offers a clear and accurate picture of what is happening in the orchestra, the listener being seated just a little further back down the hall than in similar recordings by the majors. If, like me, you are beginning to explore Dvorak, don't hesitate to go for this CD, it is well worth its paltry price.

Well Played; Excellent Melodies.......2003-04-12

The Dvorak Second Symphony is rarely performed, but it is an interesting work. It is upbeat and filled with memorable melodies. It works as background music or as music to relax too. At this price, you can't go wrong.

more outstanding performances of underrated works.......2001-12-25

Dvorak's second symphony is better than his first in terms of overall structure, and again the melodies are very memorable in this highly neglected early work. Gunzenhauser already gave us a splendid performance of Dvorak's First, and he does it again here. The first movement is energetic and the woodwinds once again demonstrate their excellence, showing why this work deserves more attention than it gets. The second movement is dark and lonely and Gunzenhauser elicits wonderfully evocative playing from his orchestra, particularly the woodwinds again. The third movement is graceful and Gunzenhauser keeps the music flowing along most naturally, and the strings are absolutely gorgeous. The finale is not one of Dvorak's best, though there are some nice musical ideas. Once again, the orchestra turns in a fine performance of this movement, and like the First, the performers play with a lot of energy in the final moments to bring a satisfying close to the work. Also like the previous performance of the First, the couplings are some of Dvorak's attractive Legends. Here his last five Legends are given, once again with beautiful playing from the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra. The sound throughout is excellent and makes you feel as though you're right in the concert hall. Indeed, this disc is a top recommendation, irrespective of its super bargain price.

Wonderfully slavic performances!.......2001-02-11

I am simply amazed at how consistently well the Slovak Philharmonic performs. The performance of the second symphony is quite evident of this. With a solid woodwind section and a superbly balanced brass section, the string compliment executes this youthful score with ease and with taste. Dvorak's second attempt at a symphony is more intelligent than his first, but with Gunzenhauser, this performance is just as energetic and insightful as his offering of the first.

The Op.59 Legends, 6-10 on this disc, are wonderfully played. I don't know who plays the horn in the ensemble, but listen for the solos. They're exquisite.

Another excellent disc!

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