Dvorak Various Pieces CD Review

Var. orchestras/conductors/solists/etc."Ultim"/Finlandia.1992-ish.

Back at the turn (of the millenium) the CD shops were flooded by budget classical collections, often from as little as $1 a disc, and covering a range of repertoire and quality since unparalelled.

It was like an aural gold rush, and I was able to get my hot little hands on many precious and rare classical gems (my Brandenburgs and Messiah are both from this same Ultim label, and I have no regrets at having these as my staple representation of the above works).

So, here we have a selection from Mr A. Dvorak - the cello concerto (Arto Noras = soloist), the serenades for strings, and winds (both played by the St Paul Chamber Orchestra), and the New World Symphony (Philharmonia, con. Eliahu Inbal).

What's not to like?

If you have never heard the cello concerto, you must put an end to that drought instantly - when Brahms heard it, it sent him mad with jealousy - partly due at least to Dvorak's easy, effortless lyricism, which carries the listener away in spite of themselves, like one of those magical European rivers - Rhine, Danube, Moldau?

I love it when J Du Pres plays this, but it's tricky to get hold of a full recording by her.

Noras does the job extremely well - and the production balance (between cello and orchestra)is very satisfying.

The serenades are likewise delicious, and some of the best lullabye music I could recommend - soothing, warming, familiar, and dream-stimulating - love the strings, but the woodwinds get justice with their set - a very reasonable man, our Mister Dvorak.

The New World Symphony is what it is - a treasure trove of energy, melodrama and great tunes - likewise if you have never heard this masterpiece in your life, NOW is the time to address the deficit!

CD overall a wonderful introduction to some of the most gorgeous Romantic music ever produced.

9/10.