Customer Reviews

Dvorák: Symphonies Nos. 7, 8, 9

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Carlo Maria Giulini -- though not as famous as some "star" conductors -- was one of the greatest conductors of the 20th century. Although Giulini was outstanding in a wide range of repertoire, he had a particular rapport with the music of Dvorak. I can think no finer performances of the works on this 2 CD set than these. Dvorak's 9th Symphony ("From the New World") is undoubtedly the major attraction on this set, but the other two symphonies are also very good. In fact, in my opinion, the 7th symphony is a masterpiece on a par with the more famous "New World" Symphony. The Scherzo Capriccioso, though not quite on a par with the symphonies, is quite good, particularly as performed by Giulini, and the Carnival Overture is truly a gem. I can't recommend this set too highly. It would be a good buy at full price, and is an incredible buy at this bargain price.

I apologize if this is not a review of this set but, as a possessor of Giulini's later recordings of 7,8 & 9 I feel compelled to say something. The "official" rewiew seems to me harsh and positively narrow-minded. I'm no Giulini fan, he's often really too slow, but in the Dvorak the point is that he highlights the Brahmsian side of this composer. Too often is forgotten that Brahms was Dvorak's mentor and his supreme model as a symphonist. And if I admit that the 9th is rather too manicured, I believe that the 7th and 8th positively shine, also thanks to beutifully glorious playing from the Concertgebouw and impeccable recording. Too idiosyncratic to be a first recommendation, so, but a must for those who think that Dvorak's music is about much than czech peasants dancing and drinking.....