Amazon.com essential recording: For decades, there were only three complete collections of Dvorák's symphonies: this one; Rowicki's with the same orchestra; and Kubelik's with the Berlin Philharmonic. Kertész offers the most rustic, gutsy interpretations of all. Famous for his dislike of rehearsals, he allows the London Symphony to make a much rougher sound than his colleagues tolerate, and though not the last word in polish, the results have a spontaneous charm that's pretty hard to resist. More to the point, Dvorák's early symphonies (Nos. 1 to 5) remain sadly neglected, and each one of them is full of gorgeous tunes cloaked in mellifluous orchestration. At budget price, this set now costs less than it did on LP in the 1960s. How can you do better than that? --David Hurwitz
The Dvorak Cycle Well since I order this from amazon.com, I have listen to the whole cycle of symphonies several times, and what really cought my attention was his early symphonies, in particular the story behind the first symphony which I will not tell you so you can read it in the detailed liner notes of the CD. I don't think that I have a particular symphony by Dvorak, I like, but rather I say that I like them all equally. At the amazon.com price this is really a bargain, highly recommended music for all ages and walks of life. Kertesz and the Brits did a fantastic work.
Still a top choice for complete symphonies These Dvorak symphonies, recorded by Kertesz/LSO from 1963-67, are still a fine choice if you are looking for a complete set, followed by Kubelik and Neumann (Supraphon). Symphonies 1-6 and the overtures are all excellent, with a bit of dropoff on 7-9. Not that the last three are bad by any means, but when compared to performances by Talich, Ancerl and Szell they come up a bit short. So, by all means get this complete set (especially at this price), then supplement as (or if) you see fit. The sound is fine throughout. Kertesz also has a set of Dvorak's Symphonic Poems and Overtures on a Decca 2 CD set that is very good, but may be out of print.
Dvorak Symphonies review Excellent performances of wonderful music. Disk creation leaves a little to be desired - it's awkward to start a favorite symphony on track 3 of one disk and then have it end on track two of the next. Shades of the LP era!
Benchmark Dvorak Symphony Cycle The Amazon reviewer lists only 3 complete cycles, but this overlooks at least one other cycle by Vaclav Neumann & the Czech Philharmonic that dates from c. 1974 along with the Slavonic Dances.
I bet the ratio of Beethoven Symphony Cycles to either Dvorak or Sibelius over the last 50 years is at least 20 to 1. This is the pity of Classical Music. Beethoven and Mozart have had their music beaten to death over and over and over and over again and the horse is still dead while other great artists have hardly had the whip put to them.
The plus to all of this is that you can actually collect all of the significant Dvorak or Sibelius cycles including this fine set by Kertesz and the London Phil.
The bio on Kertesz in my Vox Box Dvorak Symphonies (LPs) says he died in April 1973 in Israel in a swimming accident.
This is a nice set in decent stereo and will give you the chance to hear the much more seldom performed first 6 symphonies. Like Tchaikovsky's first three, they are not quite the level of the last 3 but they are still a hoot to listen to.
Brilliant in tragedy These recordings are timeless. Never have I heard music so beautifully played or more rhythmically delineated.That these symphonies still sound so fresh (in spite of some heavy home grown Czech opposition) is a glowing tribute to the memory of Istvan Kertesz and the London Symphony Orchestra.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Tailipoe
Trevor
