Customer Reviews

Symphony 9 From the New World / Symphony 2

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

 

 

It's great that EMI have re-released the brilliant LA Philharmonic recording of Dvorak's New World Symphony, conducted by the great Erich Leinsdorf. Neither of the minimal flaws -- a slight background hiss, and a lack of the exposition repeat in the First Movement -- can in the least detract from the power, grandeur, energy, beauty and sheer excitement of this benchmark version -- for years I listened to Kubelick's acclaimed rendition but this Leinsdorf performance, its age notwithstanding, has to take top honors, perhaps among all the myriad performances on disc! The famous slow movement has never sounded more beautiful while at the same time never condescending to bathos; the agitated scherzo is riveting; and the power and grandeur of the opening of the finale is unrivalled by any other recording. Altogether a gem, a classic Classic. The coupling is well done, though Rachmaninoff's symphony, while beautiful in spots, hasn't the clarity of construction of his concerti, and qua symphony cannot be ranked a peer of the Dvorak, who was one of the handful of great symphonists to follow Beethoven. But don't hesitate on that account -- you'll find that soon this version of the New World will displace your previous favorite. A must for your collection!

I don't know how much of a music fan the previous reviewer is if he can possibly talk about the outstanding Leinsdorf Dvorak here and blow off Wallenstein's Rachmaninoff. Isn't he letting the disc play through?

Wallenstein's is a joyous, loving performance with an endearing sense of occasion that the conductor's close friendship with the composer obviously fostered. This is communicated to the orchestra which imparts in its performance an enjoyment in playing that's remarkable on disc. So, along with Leinsdorf, this outstanding reissue is one you MUST have.

So why not five stars? Well, it's only because Paul Paray's stupendous readings of both of these works are out on Mercury. With the elegant and powerful Rach 2 you get his nonpareil leonine Franck Symphony, and with his crystalline and overpowering Dvorak you get his absolutely thrilling and awe-inspiring Sibelius Second. THAT'S 5-star.

So take a listen...and you'll spring for Leinsdorf, Wallenstein and Paray because you can't get along without them.