Dvorák: Symphony No. 2; Legends 6-10

On this CD:

1. Symphony No. 2 in B flat major, B. 12 (Op. 4)
Composed by Antonin Dvorak
Performed by Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Stephen Gunzenhauser

2. Legends (10), for orchestra (arr. from, B. 117), B. 122 (Op. 59)
Composed by Antonin Dvorak

Conducted by Stephen Gunzenhauser

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.

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

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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.

Tracks:

Allegro
Adagio Molto
Allegretto
Finale: Allegreto
Allegretto
Molto Moderato
Allegro Giusto
Molto Maestoso
Allegro Giusto

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

Allegro Moderato
Adagio Molto, Temp Di Marcia
Allegro Vivace
Allegro Non Tanto
Adagio
Scherzo: Furiant: Presto
Finale: Allegro Con Spirito

Tracks:

Allegro
Andante Sostenuto E Molto Cantabile
Scherzo: Allegro Feroce
Finale: Allegro Con Brio
Allegro Con Brio
Adagio
Allegretto Grazioso - Molto Vivace
Allegro, Ma Non Troppo

Tracks:

Allegro, Ma Non Troppo
Andante, Con Moto
Andante Con Moto, Quasi L'istesso Tempo - Allegro Scherzando
Finale: Allegro Molto
Allegro Maestoso
Poco Adagio
Scherzo Vivace - Poco Meno Mosso
Finale: Allegro

Tracks:

Adagio- Allegro Molto
Largo
olto Vivace
Allegro Con Fuoco
Sumphonic Variations, Op. 78

Tracks:

Allegro Agitato - Jeno Jando
Andante Sostenuto
Allegro Con Fuoco
The Water Goblin, Symphonic Poem, Op. 107

Tracks:

Allegro Ma Non Troppo - Ilya Kaler
Adagio Ma Non Troppo - Ilya Kaler
Allegro Giocoso, Ma Non Troppo - Ilya Kaler
Romance For Violin And Orchestra In F Minor, Op. 11 - Ilya Kaler
Mazurka For Violin And Orchestra, Op. 49 - Alexander Trostianski

Tracks:

Allegro - Maria Kliegel
Adagio Ma Non Troppo - Maria Kliegel
Finale: Allegro Moderato - Andante - Allegro Vivo - Maria Kliegel
Walderuhe For Cello And Orchestra, Op. 68/5 - Dmitry Yablonsky
Rondo For Cello And Orchestra, Op. 94 - Dmitry Yablonsky

Tracks:

No. 1 In C Major
No. 2 In E Minor
No. 3 In A Flat Major
No. 4 In F Major
No. 5 In A Major
No. 6 In D Major
No. 7 In C Minor
No. 8 In G Minor
No. 1 In B Major
No. 2 In E Minor
No. 3 In F Major
No. 4 In D Flat Major
No. 5 In B Flat Minor
No. 6 In B Flat Major
No. 7 In C Major
No. 8 In A Flat Major

Tracks:

Rhapsody, Op. 14
No. 1
No. 2
No. 3

Tracks:

The Noon Witch, Op. 108
The Golden Spinning-Wheel, Op. 109
The Wild Dove, Op. 110

Tracks:

Moderato
Tempo Di Valse
Scherzo: Vivace
Larghetto
ale: Allegro Vivace
Moderato, Quasi Marcia - Oslo Philharmonic Wind Soloists
Minuetto - Oslo Philharmonic Wind Soloists
Andante Con Moto - Oslo Philharmonic Wind Soloists
Allegro Molto - Oslo Philharmonic Wind Soloists
Notturno In B Major, Op. 40
Five Prague Waltzes
Polka In B Flat Major, Op. 53 A / 1

Tracks:

I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
Preludium (Pastorale)
Polka
Sousedska (Minuetto)
Romance (Romanza)
Fineal (Furiant)
Andante Con Moto
Adagio
onderato (Alla Polacca)
Andante
Allegro
Polonaise In E Flat Major
Festival March, Op. 54

Tracks:

King And Charcoal Burner, Overture
Prelude To Act 1
Prelude To Act 2
Ballet Music From Act 3
Overture
Prelude To Act 2
Infernal Dance From Act 2
Prelude To Act 3
Overture
Polonaise
Dmitrij, Overture
Armida, Overture

Tracks:

Vanda (Overture), Op. 25
In Nature's Realm (Overture), Op. 91
Carnival (Overture), Op. 92
Othello (Overture), Op. 93
My Home (Overture), Op. 62

Tracks:

Hussite Overture, Op. 67
Selma Seklak Overture, Op. 37
Dramatic Overture, Op. Posth
Scherzo Capriccioso, Op. 66
A Hero's Son, Op. 111

Customer Reviews:

20 Hours of Dvorak at a Bargain Price.......2004-08-03

This 17-CD set collects together in one box all the published orchestral works of Antonin Dvorak. It's neatly done: each CD is in a paper envelope and there is a 51-page booklet (with knowledgable and helpful notes for each disc) all fitted into a cardboard box no thicker than that ordinarily used for a two-CD opera recording. All this music has been issued previously on separate discs or sets by Naxos and most of it is, if I'm not mistaken, still available that way. But this collection is one easy way to scoop up all of Dvorak's orchestral music at once. There is much music here that is almost never heard, certainly not in the concert hall and even on CD. For instance, I cannot recall ever seeing a recording (and I know I've never heard in performance) Dvorak's 'Intermezzi.' And the rarely-heard 'Legends' are nicely done here by Stephen Gunzenhauser and the Czecho-Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra. Of course, the name of the orchestra tells you something: some of these performances were recorded before the breakup of Czechoslovakia into Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Yes, some of the recordings go back to the late 1980s. No matter - the sound is quite acceptable throughout.

There are numerous participants in these recordings, many of them orchestras in the Czecho-Slovak area, as well as the Polish National Radio Orchestra, the Russian Philharmonic and even London's Royal Philharmonic (in a smashing performance, with Maria Kliegel, sure one of our best current cellists, in the Cello Concerto). Conductors include Gunzenhauser, Antoni Wit, Camilla Kolchinsky, Dmitry Yablonsky, Michael Halasz, Zdenek Kosler, Libor Pesek, and Robert Stankovksy.

Obviously one wouldn't buy this set for the most familiar Dvorak pieces - the 'New World' Symphony, the Cello Concerto, the Slavonic Dances - if that was all one was interested in. There are too many fine performances of those already on the market. But how many of you have recordings of poorly known but top-drawer works like the 'Czech Suite,' the 'American Suite,' (it is fashionable to dismiss this suite, but it's actually one of Dvorak's best), or some of the orchestral music from his many operas--overtures to 'King and Charcoal Burner,' 'The Jacobin,' 'Kate and the Devil,' 'Rusalka'? All of these, and more, are here. I recently returned from a trip and the only music I took along was this box of Dvorak. I never got sated, or bored, by it.

I was also quite taken by the performance of one of my favorite pieces by Dvorak, his 'Wind Serenade,' here played by the Oslo Philharmonic Wind Soloists. And there are marvelous performances by Gunzenhauser and the Polish NRSO of 'The Noon Witch,' 'The Golden Spinning Wheel,' and (a particular favorite of mine) 'The Wild Dove.'

And then there's the super-bargain Naxos price. This is an easy recommendation for the music lover in the market for this specific collection of music.

Scott Morrison

Average customer rating:

Dvorak Symphonies, a wonderful bargain!

Dvorák: Symphonies Nos. 1-9 (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000013IR
Release Date: 1994-02-15

Tracks:

Sym No.1 in c: Allegro - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Sym No.1 in c: Adagio Molto - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Sym No.1 in c: Allegretto - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Sym No.1 in c: Finale: Allegretto - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Legends, Op.59, Nos.1-5: Allegretto - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Legends, Op.59, Nos.1-5: Molto Moderato - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Legends, Op.59, Nos.1-5: Allegro Giusto - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Legends, Op.59, Nos.1-5: Molto Maestoso - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Legends, Op.59, Nos.1-5: Allegro Giusto - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser

Tracks:

Sym No.2 in B, Op.4: Allegro Con Moto - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Sym No.2 in B, Op.4: Poco Adagio - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Sym No.2 in B, Op.4: Scherzo: Allegro Con Brio - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Sym No.2 in B, Op.4: Finale: Allegro Con Fuoco - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Legends Op.59, Nos.6-10: Allegro Con Moto - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Legends Op.59, Nos.6-10: Allegretto Grazioso - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Legends Op.59, Nos.6-10: Un Poco Allegretto E Grazioso - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Legends Op.59, Nos.6-10: Andante Con Moto - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Legends Op.59, Nos.6-10: Andante - Slovak PO/Czecho-Slovak RSO/Stephen Gunzenhauser

Tracks:

Sym No.3 in E Flat, Op.10: Allegro Moderato - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.3 in E Flat, Op.10: Adagio Molto, Tempo Di Marcia - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.3 in E Flat, Op.10: Allegro Vivace - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.6 in D, Op.60: Allegro Non Tanto - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.6 in D, Op.60: Adagio - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.6 in D, Op.60: Scherzo: Furiant: Presto - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.6 in D, Op.60: Finale: Allegro Con Spirito - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser

Tracks:

Sym No.4 in d, Op.13: Allegro - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.4 in d, Op.13: Andante Sostenuto E Molto Cantabile - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.4 in d, Op.13: Scherzo: Allegro Feroce - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.4 in d, Op.13: Finale: Allegro Con Brio - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.8 in G, Op.33: Allegro Con Brio - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.8 in G, Op.33: Adagio - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.8 in G, Op.33: Allegretto Grazioso-Molto Vivace - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.8 in G, Op.33: Allegro, Ma Non Troppo - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser

Tracks:

Sym No.5 in F, Op.76: Allegro, Ma Non Troppo - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.5 in F, Op.76: Andante Con Moto - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.5 in F, Op.76: Andante Con Moto, Quasi L'istesso Tempo-Allegro scherzando - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.5 in F, Op.76: Finale: Allegro Molto - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.7 in d, Op.70: Allegro Maestoso - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.7 in d, Op.70: Poco Adagio - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.7 in d, Op.70: Scherzo: Vivace-Poco Meno Mosso - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser
Sym No.7 in d, Op.70: Finale: Allegro - Slovak PO/Gunzenhauser

Tracks:

Sym No.9 'From the New World': Adagio-Allegro Molto - Slovak PO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Sym No.9 'From the New World': Largo - Slovak PO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Sym No.9 'From the New World': Molto Vivace - Slovak PO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Sym No.9 'From the New World': Allegro Con Fuoco - Slovak PO/Stephen Gunzenhauser
Symphonic Variations, Op. 78: Theme/Variations 1-27/Finale - Slovak PO/Stephen Gunzenhauser

Customer Reviews:

Dvorak Symphonies, a wonderful bargain!.......2002-03-09

Naxos is undoubtedly contributing more to the popularity and perpetuity of Classical Music more than any other label. They do so by providing the recorded equivalent of "cheap" seats, those that are generally found in the balcony or back rows of the orchestra section in your local concert hall. Naxos provides accommodations that are often among the best in the house, and that are always a great value.

This complete set of Dvorak's nine symphonies would be a wonderful addition to anyone's collection, especially that of a collector on a budget. Though you can find better performances of the later symphonies, particularly the Symphony #9, aka "New World". (I particularly like performances by Kondrashin, on Decca and Reiner, on RCA). However before one can appreciate the subtle differences of a great performance, versus a good or adequate rendering, one needs to be exposed to the music and become familiar with it. With this collection, Naxos has provided a wonderful opportunity for a listener who is not familiar with Dvorak's symphonies to get his or her feet wet. Both the performances and sound quality are good and the price can't be beat. ...

Tracks:

Allegro
Adagio Molto
Allegretto
Finale: Allegretto
Allegretto
Molto Moderato
Allegro Giusto
Molto Maestoso
Allegro Giusto

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

Tracks:

Allegro Moderato
Adagio Molto, Tempo Di Marcia
Allegro Vivace
Allegro
Adagio
Scherzo: Furiant: Presto
Finale: Allegro Con Spirito

Tracks:

Allegro
Andante Sostenuto E Molto Cantabile
Scherzo: Allegro Feroce
Finale: Allegro Con Brio
Allegro Con Brio
Adagio
Allegretto Grazioso - Molto Vivace
Allegro, Ma Non Troppo

Tracks:

Allegro, Ma Non Troppo
Andante Con Moto
Andante Con Moto, Quasi L'istesso Tempo - Allegro Scherzando
Finale: Allegro Molto
Allegro Maestoso
Poco Adagio
Scherzo: Vivace - Poco Meno Mosso
Finale: Allegro

Tracks:

Adagio - Allegro Molto
Largo
Molto Vivace
Allegro Con Fuoco
Theme - Variations 1-27 - Finale

Customer Reviews:

Very mixed bag.......2005-02-17

This set has its highs and lows for sure...which is unfortunate given its promise.

Particularly good are the Fifth and Ninth symphonies, the Fifth being a very pleasant, delightful performance suitable to the work and with strong woodwind playing...the Ninth is quite exciting ("vibrant" says Gramophone) and all-around strong. Honorable mentions to some of the Early symphonies (#3 especially) and the above-average Seventh, which is also quite exciting, although not on the Leonard Bernstein level (Bernstein's 7th plus the Moldau is one helluva disc!).

However, the set hurts from a poor Eighth Symphony. The Eighth arguably is Dvorak's best and most interesting, but Gunzenhauser and his orchestra really drop the ball. The trumpets let a couple bad notes fall unpleasantly (in the first movement), and the timpani player is strangely either right in front overpowering the orchestra or buried in the texture and unhearable. The first movement is taken at a slow tempo, and the others are just acceptable. I wish the coda of the finale was played faster and with more pep. The Sixth Symphony is also lackluster; although the slow movement is pretty, the others are merely okay, and the scherzo is a bit on the slow side.

But the biggest complaint is the sound; most of the discs (most prominently Symphonies 4 and 8) sound dull and washed-out, as if the microphones are placed in the lobby and the staircase leading up to the balcony (this feeling was confirmed when I showed up late for a concert a few nights ago and the sound inside the stairwell was very similar to that of this set!). The orchestra just sounds dreary. (Actually, the woodwinds sound very good, but the violins sound washed-out and the brass is watery.) This is almost certainly the fault of both engineer (who goes uncredited on the case) and venue (for I have heard other recordings of the orchestra in other venues which sound fabulous). On the other hand, the Ninth is made fabulous by a sharp, clear, immediate sound unlike the rest of the set.

The whole sound problem, though, can be solved by turning the volume up a lot higher than you'd usually set it. I usually keep volume on 2 on my headphones - but move it up to 3.5 here, and then blow my eardrums out when I turn on the radio afterwards. But unless you're a real cheapskate, I'd recommend a better set from Kubelik or Kertesz etc. If you ARE a real cheapskate, you'll find that there is quite a bit to like in this set of symphonies - but some to avoid.

Bland and underpowered.......2005-01-01

I had high hopes for this set, but it's rather flat and underpowered. Stephen Gunzenhauser and the Czech-Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra perform these works at a tepid temperature, and the results are dull dull dull. It's not exactly fair to say that the Czech-Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra lacks the power, either. I've heard them play Dvorak with other conductors and they fare far better. Listening to these recordings I found myself understanding more and more what separates great conductors from technicians. There were times when the melody needed to be lengthened just slightly by the addition of elongated bowings, for example, that were just bowed "straight" here. For another example, there was a uniformity of color throughout, even in some of the most interesting moments of the Symphonic Variations, a work I don't hear often enough. The variations all have their own personality, or they should. Here there is little contrast among them, and the work comes off as unimaginative and dull. Worse, the Bohemian lilt and charm are lost. This is very dutiful and dull Dvorak, for the most part.

So as much as I'd like to have all of Dvorak's symphonies under one roof, as well as the superbly underrated Symphonic Variations, I can't recommend this set. The sound is also a bit hard and brittle on some of the works. The best performance in the set is the Third Symphony, a work that should get performed more often than it does. In that work they sound convincing, or at least more convincing than everywhere else. But it'd probably be better to collect the pieces you want individually than to buy this set, no matter how attractive the price may be here. You can generally get better sound elsewhere, too.

A good low price collection.......2004-12-10

This set of Dvorak is my first set of someone's complete symphonies. Stephen Gunzenhauser and Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra has a warm and pleasant sound, but sometimes they are not powerful as other famous orchestras. That makes their No.9 just a OK choice(but their Symphonic Variation is good). Their No.1, No.2, and No.5 are very persuasive, combine high standard performance and recording. Stephen Gunzenhauser did a amazing job in No.7, he choice the speed carefully and make the music very tense even the orchestra is not a warhorse. If somebody can conduct No.7 with Berlin Philharmonic like this, it will be my first choice for No.7. No.8 is a disappointment, the orchestra just don't show their best. After all, I think this set is still a very good choice in Dvorak's complete symphonies, it has a above average music performance, warm sound and recording, and a good production(unlike some early Naxos orchestral recording sounds warm but lack detail, this one 's sound is warm, but in nice quality.)

Don't Be Put Off By the Low Price.......2002-04-11

This is a first-rate set of the Dvorak symphonies, plus the Op. 59 Legends and the Op. 78 Symphonic Variations. These recordings all got very favorable reviews in the Penguin Guide--"recommendable even without the price advantage" is a typical quote.

If you love Dvorak's New World Symphony, but are less than familiar with his other symphonies, this is a low-cost way to get it all. Consider also the set conducted by Istvan Kertesz, which is very fine, too. This is great and accessible music; you won't be disappointed either way.

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