Track Listing

1. Symphony No. 7 in D minor, B. 141 (Op. 70) (first published as No. 2): Allegro maestoso
2. Symphony No. 7 in D minor, B. 141 (Op. 70) (first published as No. 2): Poco adagio
3. Symphony No. 7 in D minor, B. 141 (Op. 70) (first published as No. 2): Scherzo, Vivace... Poco meno mosso
4. Symphony No. 7 in D minor, B. 141 (Op. 70) (first published as No. 2): Finale, Allegro
5. Symphony No. 8 in G major, B. 163 (Op.88) (first published as No. 4): Allegro con brio
6. Symphony No. 8 in G major, B. 163 (Op.88) (first published as No. 4): Adagio
7. Symphony No. 8 in G major, B. 163 (Op.88) (first published as No. 4): Allegretto grazioso
8. Symphony No. 8 in G major, B. 163 (Op.88) (first published as No. 4): Allegro ma non troppo

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #72270 in Music
• Released on: 1992-04-14
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .21 pounds

Amazon.com
This orchestra learned to play these symphonies under the legendary George Szell, whose Sony recordings have been reissued on CD and remain a prime recommendation in this music. For those seeking digital sound, however, these new versions are very distinguished, combining the Cleveland Orchestra's customary superb ensemble with a warmth and urgency of expression usually in short supply from this conductor. At mid-price, this is an excellent recommendation. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews

Nothing Better
I have long been a fan of The Cleveland Orchestra, but this recording of Dvorak's 7-8 is top of the line. The precision, expression, and energy present in the conducting, performance, and recording are unbeatable. This is the Cleveland Orchestra at the zenith of symphonic performance. It is not only the best recording of these two works, though there are many outstanding ones to be recommended, but it is a nearly flawless display by the Cleveland Orchestra and among the best of any symphonic recording ever produced! A must have!

Excellent recorded sound
When I first purchased this disc, it was my first experience of Dvorak. To say I was impressed would be an understatement. I fell in love with Dvorak's music because of this disc. The Cleveland Orchestra has a long history of performing Dvorak well, and it really shows in this disc. Also, it is immediately clear this is a digital recording because the sound is unusually clear and defined. The final movement of the 8th is particularly spine tingling. At mid price it is a great choice.

A Great Bargain
Initially, these recordings were no bargain at all despite the excellence of the performance and recording. They were stingily issued by Decca/London on two separate CDs. But as the LP went away and the industry grudgingly admitted a CD could successfully accommodate more music, two Dvorak symphonies on a disc became the norm. Hence this oxymoronic pairing--Dvorak's darkest and most dramatic symphony along with one of his sunniest and most refulgent. The Seventh must also be accounted his greatest symphony, with a finale that is obviously autobiographical: the hard-won semi-triumph of the turn from D minor to D major in the cadence is a portrait of Dvorak himself in his rise from obscure local musician to international figure. More, it reflects the stoic acceptance of tragedy that was the lot of nineteenth-century folk, ignorant of the boons of modern medicine. Dvorak, after all, knew the heartache attendant on the death of one's children.

That tragic sense, that great tension, are captured beautifully in this performance and recording. The Cleveland play with incredible intensity and provide a dark but beautiful sound top to bottom, as do the London engineers. I venture to say this is a great recording of a great symphony, one that will be treasured long into the future, I predict.

Then there is the sunny Eighth Symphony. The performance is just as apt, just as attuned to Dvorak's muse.

If this is the pairing of Dvorak symphonies that you're looking for, given the marriage of executant excellence and first-rate recording, certainly it must be the first choice regardless of price.