Dvorák: Serenades in E major and in D minor [Import]

Antonin Dvorak (Composer), Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky (Composer), Josef Vlach (Conductor), Czech Philharmonic Orchestra Wind Ensemble (Performer), Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Czech Philharmonic Orchestra Wind Ensemble
• Orchestra: Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra
• Conductor: Josef Vlach
• Composer: Antonin Dvorak, Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
• Audio CD (June 29, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Supraphon
• ASIN: B0002ABTE4
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #224,276 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Serenade for string orchestra in E major, B. 52 (Op. 22): 1. Moderato

2. Serenade for string orchestra in E major, B. 52 (Op. 22): 2. Tempo di valse

3. Serenade for string orchestra in E major, B. 52 (Op. 22): 3. Scherzo. Vivace

4. Serenade for string orchestra in E major, B. 52 (Op. 22): 4. Larghetto

5. Serenade for string orchestra in E major, B. 52 (Op. 22): 5. Finale. Allegro vivace

6. Serenade for winds & strings in D minor, B. 77 (Op. 44): 1. Moderato, quasi marcia

7. Serenade for winds & strings in D minor, B. 77 (Op. 44): 2. Minuetto. Tempo di minuetto

8. Serenade for winds & strings in D minor, B. 77 (Op. 44): 3. Andante con moto

9. Serenade for winds & strings in D minor, B. 77 (Op. 44): 4. Finale. Allegro molto

10. String Quartet No. 1 in D major, Op. 11: Andante cantabile

11. Souvenir de Hapsal, for piano, Op. 2: Chant sans paroles (Song Without Words)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Seen in a new light!, August 24, 2004

By 

rjm (maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dvorák: Serenades in E major and in D minor (Audio CD)

Having performed Dvorak's Serenade in E for Strings and Tchaikovsky's Andante Cantabile numerous times over the past 25 years I was delighted to become acquainted with interpretations that stand apart from those to which I'd become accustomed. Notwithstanding the warmth and technical polish of the inestimable contributions of such ensembles as Orpheus and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, the Czech Chamber Orchestra and Josef Vlach offer readings of great vigor and enthusiasm combined with lovingly shaped phrases that sound completely natural and unforced. This is no small feat given that too much rubato and tempo tampering can turn such richly melodic pieces into cloying caricature; but the performers here admirably succeed in playing with conviction and, in the case of both Dvorak pieces, with the undeniable and definitive authority that only fellow countrymen can invest in music of their native son. In addition, the Serenade for Wind Instruments, Cello and Doublebass is played with ardor and heartfelt intensity and is held together with razor sharp ensemble all the more remarkable because it is performed without a conductor. The performances of the string serenade and the Tchaikovsky pieces date back almost 40 years and the wind serenade a little over 25 years; yet, except for the sound in the Tchaikovsky Andante cantabile, the remastered recording is clear and well-balanced and feels very live and vivid. Bravo to Supraphon for reissuing these readings. Their authentic flavor and passion are second to none! I highly recommend this CD even if you already own several others of these chamber masterpieces.