Track Listing

1. Slavonic Dances (8) for orchestra, B. 83 (Op. 46): No 1 in C major
2. Slavonic Dances (8) for orchestra, B. 83 (Op. 46): No 2 in E minor
3. Slavonic Dances (8) for orchestra, B. 83 (Op. 46): No 3 in A flat major
4. Slavonic Dances (8) for orchestra, B. 83 (Op. 46): No 4 in F major
5. Slavonic Dances (8) for orchestra, B. 83 (Op. 46): No 5 in A major
6. Slavonic Dances (8) for orchestra, B. 83 (Op. 46): No 6 in D major
7. Slavonic Dances (8) for orchestra, B. 83 (Op. 46): No 7 in C minor
8. Slavonic Dances (8) for orchestra, B. 83 (Op. 46): No 8 in G minor
9. Slavonic Dances (8) for orchestra, B. 147 (Op. 72): No. 9 in B major (Odzemek)
10. Slavonic Dances (8) for orchestra, B. 147 (Op. 72): No. 10 in E minor (Mazurka)
11. Slavonic Dances (8) for orchestra, B. 147 (Op. 72): No. 11 in F major (Skocná)
12. Slavonic Dances (8) for orchestra, B. 147 (Op. 72): No. 12 in D-flat major (Dumka)
13. Slavonic Dances (8) for orchestra, B. 147 (Op. 72): No. 13 in B flat minor (Spacirka)
14. Slavonic Dances (8) for orchestra, B. 147 (Op. 72): No. 14 in B flat major (Polonaise)
15. Slavonic Dances (8) for orchestra, B. 147 (Op. 72): No. 15 in C major (Kolo)
16. Slavonic Dances (8) for orchestra, B. 147 (Op. 72): No. 16 in A flat major (Sousedská)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #49473 in Music
• Brand: Sony
• Released on: 2002-01-29
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .21 pounds

Customer Reviews

Slavonic Dances to listen to
It's hard to believe that I was the first to review this fine rendition of Dvorak's complete 16 Slavonic Dances.

The Cleveland Orchestra is at its best with Szell at the baton, and it has never been more obvious than on this release. Both discs are obviously played by people who love Dvorak and particularly his Slavonic Dances.

This wonderful two disc set would have rated a perfect five stars if it had better sonic balance. Some of the finer pianissimos are sadly lacking in ambience.

However, don't let this deter you from adding this wonderful set to your collection, especially at this price. The acoustics are nearly perfect, and enhances the orchestra's sound.

Highly recomnded to Dvorak fans, and recommended for classical music lovers everywhere.

A basic for every collection
I have owned almost every incarnation of this recording, including one where the producer took out the repeats to get it on one lp! There was even a CD with four dances of contrasting type and key to make up a kind of "suite" that works very well. This is simply the best performance of this piece, with the Cleveland Orchestra becoming a Czech orchestra under George Szell, who knew how to do it! Every little turn, every little lift is executed perfectly, with the Orchestra leaning into the dance rhythms, ala Reiner in Chicago with Bartok. It is the difference between reading rhythms, and FEELING them. Szell and Dvorak (on records) go back to the 1930's (check out the Dvorak concerto with Casals, coupled with the New World on Dutton). The only drawback is the 1960's Columbia recording technique. There is never a true pianissimo. But I think the performance is helped by the dryness. You don't want a wash of sound. Don't think that you'll trade up from this budget CD. This is a "keeper".

Great Interpretations From Szell Of Dvorak's Scores
George Szell did a fine job getting a rich, warm, almost Viennese tone, from his Cleveland Orchestra, and no where is it more apparent than in this still spellbinding set of Dvorak's Slavonic Dances. Admittedly the sound quality isn't up to par to recent recordings, but this is still an interpretation worth listening to, led by someone who truly had a great affinity for Dvorak's music. I doubt I have heard the Cleveland Orchestra's winds or strings play with such passion and lyricism. Without question, this was among the finest recordings made by the orchestra under the baton of Maestro Szell.