Customer Reviews

Dvorak: Symphonies Nos. 7, & 9- New World

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I qualify James Levine's interpretations of these two Dvorak symphonies close to, though perhaps not surpassing, the best versions available. There is vigor and vitality aplenty in both the 7th and 9th. On a comparative basis, I would put these performances near to, or slightly better, than the interpretations made on Telarc by Andre Previn and the LA Philharmonic (though the Telarc recordings are much better). These recordings do fall short of the class of those definitive readings made by Rafael Kubelik (DG, 9th), Istvan Kertesz (Decca, 9th), or von Dohnanyi (Decca, 7th, 9th).

The RCA engineers achieved very mixed results in this recording. The disc label touts the 24-bit technology employed. Indeed, the recording is finely detailed. However, a very hard, varnish-like sheen plagues the violin section througout both symphonies, and its effect is quite apparent. Decca engineers achieved much better results than RCA in other contemporaneous recordings (early 80s) in the same venue (Chicago's Medinah Temple).

James Levine has always been an exciting conductor to listen to. His recordings are always interesting and delightful to listen to. Here, we encounter Levine conducting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Dvorak's two most popular symphonies. The result is delightful. Levine, always a proponent of large sonics, has created big, heavy sounding versions. But at the same time, the symphonies are not poorly performed; rather, Levine brings out the brass without sacrificing the other sections of the orchestra. However, as another reviewer noted, the sound quality is a bit lacking. The strings, especially in the 7th, sound rather nasal and overly focused. The ninth is a bit more balanced. Still, don't let a slight recording problem turn you away from this CD. Highly recommended.

I'm in complete agreement with the reviewer below who singles out Levine's CSO performance of the Dvorak Seventh. It has a great deal of inner life, aided by Levine's decision to follow fairly relaxed tempos and to emphasize the lyrical aspects of the score. Even though it was Solti's orechestra in the Eighties, the CSO had Levine every summer at Ravinia, and they play for him with a refinement unknown to Solti. The 20-bit remastering has been very successful--although the original recording wasn't the fullest, any trace of glare on the violins has been removed. Five stars, with enthusiasm.

I find the Ninth inferior in both performance and sound quality, but I don't have this remastering of it, so perhaps the edgy sonics are hiding things from me. What I hear in my pressing is often coarse, rough, and brash. In any event, the Seventh is what I wanted, so I am satisfied.

Without a doubt, Levine's reading of Dvorak's seventh symphony is amazing. Not only that, but the recording sound is wonderful. The new 24/96 recording style makes it an amazingly clear performance.