Customer Reviews

Dvorák: Symphony No. 6; The Wood Dove

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Antonin Dvorák works are staples in the orchestral repertoire and his admirers are legion. Though his 8th and 9th symphonies appear regularly on all major orchestra programs, the 6th is relatively unknown. Strange, as this symphony is the first of Dvorák's 'mature' works. It is beautifully if fitfully constructed and savors all of the factors that make Dvorák unique - driving rhythms, bohemian folksongs and dances, languorous melodies, and frenetic presto movements. It calls for an orchestra of great skill to pull it off and a conductor sensitive to all of the innuendoes of Dvorák's writing to make it the convincing work it most assuredly is.

On this fine recording Jirí Belohlávek (currently the conductor of the BBC symphony) leads his Orchestr Ceská Filharmonie in a brisk and bright performance. Jirí Belohlávek conducted the Los Angeles Philharmonic in a performance that featured this symphony and with that powerful ensemble and brilliant acoustic of the Disney Hall created a magic the audience will not soon forget. Belohlávek is an under-appreciated conductor able to draw magic from ensembles. And this recording, including the very popular and inordinately beautiful tone poem 'The Wood Dove' deserves more attention than it has received. A perfect introduction to a neglected Dvorák masterpiece. Grady Harp, December 06

If you're new to classical music, you've probably already heard Dvorak's 9th "New World" Symphony. If you want to expand your Dvorak collection, the 6th Symphony is a good choice. It shares many lyrical traits of the 9th. The recording itself is fine and makes a great addition to any classical library.