Dvo¿ák
's last three symphonies have been recorded many times; they have even been recorded or performed many times by the
Czech Philharmonic
(first under the baton of
himself), and this set by conductor
Semyon Bychkov
has the effect of taking its place in a long hall of fame.
Bychkov
succeeds in producing distinctive readings that somewhat downplay the folk influences in
's music, although, of course, they are there.
left the Soviet Union in 1974, so it may be a bit much to speak of "Russian" readings of
here. Yet, do some sampling, as in the outer movements of the
Symphony No. 7 in D minor, Op. 70
, and one will encounter the feel of Tchaikovskian ballet, with airy, graceful melodic lines that avoid Czech mannerisms.
is not after a rousing effect here, and those who prefer the finale of the
Symphony No. 8 in G major, Op. 88
, with horns blaring and audience feet tapping, will find both the horns and the rhythm toned down. Listeners can make their own choices as to
's approach. Some may find the finale of the
Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 ("From the New World")
, a bit on the stolid side, unwilling to revel in the sounds of this evergreen crowd-pleaser. Yet
's readings hold together nicely as a group, and he is backed up nicely by the
PentaTone
label's engineers, working in the Prague Rudolfinium; the album has a somewhat hazy sound that one may or may not like, but that fits
's delicate readings. A bonus is the inclusion of two overtures and a short tone poem at the end; these aren't often heard, and the first one,
In Nature's Realm, Op. 91
, is a wonderful example of
's ability in forest-tone-painting. At the very least, listeners here will find
that isn't afraid to go against the grain, and many may experience the music as revelatory. ~ James Manheim