Customer Reviews

Ultimate Dvorák: The Essential Masterpieces [Box Set]

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This set is a tremendous bargain. The recordings by Witold Rowicki and the London Symphony of Symphonies Nos. 8 and 9 are classics, both sensitive and vigorous. I was a little less enthusiastic about their version of the 7th, which sounds awkwardly phrased in places but certainly is of high quality overall. The complete set of the Legends by Raymond Leppard and the London Philharmonic also is a classic rendition, with gorgeously remastered sound. Julian Lloyd Webber's version of the Cello Concerto may prove controversial. It is a patrician rendition, with little individuality of phrasing and much concentration on beauty of tone. It may not be to everyone's taste, but I liked it, and the contribution of Vaclav Neumann and the Czech Philharmonic hardly could be better. The Slavonic Dances in Kurt Masur's hands lack the friskiness of George Szell's or Rafael Kubelik's, but they have a compensating warmth when required and are beautifully played in general. Sir Neville Marriner conducts winning versions of the two serenades, the String Serenade being as good a version as I've ever heard. If you don't know Dvorak or do not have these recordings, this set is a first-rate acquistion at the price.

I knew a bit about Dvorak and liked what I had heard, but this book, with 2 cd's, opened my eyes and ears to the full range of his accomplishments. I since bought a collection of his works and intend to get more, especially the vocal works.
The author beats the drum for Dvorak as a truly great composer. His writing is engaging and the musical comments are keyed to the timings on the cds, which is helpful.