Dvorák: Symphony No. 9; Tchaikovsky: Francesca da Rimini

On this CD:

1. Symphony No. 9 in E minor ("From the New World," first published as No. 5), B. 178 (Op. 95)
Composed by Antonin Dvorak
Performed by Houston Symphony Orchestra with Larry Thompson
Conducted by Christoph Eschenbach

2. Francesca da Rimini, symphonic fantasy for orchestra in E minor, Op. 32
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by Houston Symphony Orchestra with Thomas LeGrand
Conducted by Christoph Eschenbach

Tracks:

I: Adagio - Allegro Molto
II: Largo
III: Scherzo: Molto Vivace
IV: Allegro Con Fuoco
Francesa Da Rimini, Op.32: Symphonic Fantasia After Dante - Thomas LeGrand

Customer Reviews:

Measured, brooding Dvorak--an interesting experiment.......2006-05-22

During his tenure with the Houston Sym. Christoph Eschenbach tried to make his name with innovative readings of familiar classics. Sometimes he missed the mark entirely--by nature he doesn't seem to possess a penetrating imagination--but I found his inward, brooding approach to the Dvorak 'New World' compelling. He is aided by a dynamic, rich recording that keeps up with the best. The Houston Sym. isn't world class, but it doesn't need to be in this music. What counts is spirit, and Eschenbach provides plenty. It's risky to take the famous Largo this slow and introspectively, but my attention was held.

Condcutors like him and Thielemann who taffy-pull the musical line earn a lot of criticism, but I'd rather hear that than the poker-faced accounts of the "New World" from Muti, Masur, Davis, Abbado, and even Kubelik and Kertesz on an off day. Among recent recordings, the one from Harnoncourt with the Concertgebouw (Teldec) is more assured, but Eschenbach's is now issued at bargain price and is even cheaper on the used market. Francesca da Rimini, at 25 min. makes a generous filer, but more Dvorak would have been more fitting. The Tchaikovsky is a bright, forward performance in vivid sound.

Spectacular.......2005-12-23

Dvorak was not shy of writing thunderous brass passages and in this recording the Houston Symphony certainly did not shy away from playing them in true grandiose Wagnerian style. A very musical interpretation here, yet executed nearly perfectly. Sound quality is also excellent. The attention to detail simply surpases every other recording i've heard. Of the popular interpretations (CSO,NYP,etc.) that I own, I pull this one out every time I want to hear the New World.

Dvorak: Symphony No. 9 "From the New World"; Tchaikovsky: Francesca da Rimini

Average customer rating:

Dvorak: Symphony No. 9 "From the New World"; Tchaikovsky: Francesca da Rimini

Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00004YU7N
Release Date: 2001-03-27

Tracks: