Product Description

No Description Available
No Track Information Available
Media Type: CD
Artist: DVORAK,A.
Title: SYM 8/9
Street Release Date: 02/13/1996
Domestic
Genre: CLASSICAL COMPOSERS

Track Listing

1. Symphony No. 8 in G major, B. 163 (Op.88) (first published as No. 4): Allegro con brio
2. Symphony No. 8 in G major, B. 163 (Op.88) (first published as No. 4): Adagio
3. Symphony No. 8 in G major, B. 163 (Op.88) (first published as No. 4): Allegretto grazioso
4. Symphony No. 8 in G major, B. 163 (Op.88) (first published as No. 4): Allegro ma non troppo
5. Symphony No. 9 in E minor ('From the New World'), B. 178 (Op. 95) (first published as No. 5): Adagio...Allegro molto
6. Symphony No. 9 in E minor ('From the New World'), B. 178 (Op. 95) (first published as No. 5): Largo
7. Symphony No. 9 in E minor ('From the New World'), B. 178 (Op. 95) (first published as No. 5): Molto vivace...Poco sostenuto
8. Symphony No. 9 in E minor ('From the New World'), B. 178 (Op. 95) (first published as No. 5): Allegro con fuoco

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #73327 in Music
• Brand: DVORAK,A.
• Released on: 1996-02-13
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .21 pounds

Amazon.com
Rafael Kubelik recorded Dvorak's Ninth Symphony something like four times, but it's never sounded better than it does here. In fact, when these performances were first released, they set new standards in symphonic cogency and beauty of orchestral execution. On this disc they have been carefully remastered and paired on a single midpriced CD. What a deal! One of the biggest problems in collecting classical music is that you're often faced with an embarrassment of riches--so many really fine performances of the great works. Some of these, however, stand out as classic recordings of classical music, and Kubelik's Dvorak recordings clearly belong in this elite category. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews

A Terrific Eighth...
My first exposure (embarassingly, perhaps) to Dvorak's magnificent Eighth Symphony was not until graduate school, when I performed it with the Yale Philharmonia under Otto Werner-Mueller. Since that time more than 20 years ago, I have almost fanatically sought out every recording of it that I could find, and have discovered in the process that its transcendent beauty is very difficult to capture in a recording.

But not impossible. Kubelik's recording is not only beautiful sonically, but is one of the finest performances the work may ever receive. Kubelik, always a superb Dvorak conductor (hear the rerelease of his magnificent Chicago Symphony recording of the 9th from the early 50's) was at the height of his interpretive powers, and the Berlin Philharmonic sounds like the Czech Philharmonic on steroids. The results are absolutely glorious.

While there are finer recordings of the Ninth available individually, the coupling with this incredible Eighth makes this one of the truly great CD bargains. This is one of the finest CD's in my collection.

legendary recordings paired for super disk
Kubelik's Dvorak recordings with the Berlin Philharmonic were among the finest work DG released in the 60's, and continue to provide the same thrills on today's double-symphony CD. The Symphony No. 8 (formerly 4) and Symphony No. 9: The New World were originally separate LP's in the same series. The production shows the fine melodic sweep and technical mastery the Berlin Philharmonic brings to each, while Kubelik's leadership brings a warmth and attentiveness this orchestra rarely shows under other conductors. A superb bargain on a definitave CD. The only disappointment is the omission of the photo from the cover of the No. 8 LP, which was a charming Eurotown foil to the New World skyline used on No. 9 and also on the CD.

I bought these LP's as a kid with my allowance; I'm thrilled to be able to have them on CD now. Both on one CD is gravy.

Thrilling, hair-raising music-making! An incredible bargain
First, let me thank Mr. Mautner for his insightful review below. I had recently heard Dvorak's 8th for the first time in a concert by the London Symphony, Sir Colin Davis conducting, and was enthralled by this under-performed masterpiece. Reading the rave reviews here (Karajan-Hurwitz controversy notwithstanding!) coupled with the bargain price I decided it was worth a purchase. Well, I hesitate to say this, but DG could charge twice the price for this and it would be well worth it! These recordings were made 30-odd years ago but sound like they were made yesterday. I've heard few other recordings that approximate the visceral experience of a live orchestral concert as well as this one. And what performances! Kubelik "goes for the gusto" here. This is unashamed, passionate romanticism at its most electrifying. Berlin has never sounded better than here under his baton. If you love the "New World" symphony, you'll adore this -- and learn to adore the Eighth along with it.