Dvorak: The Complete Symphonies

This set of the complete symphonies of Dvorak, plus several extra orchestral works, is an excellent bargain, and also excellent in its own right.Some people seem to like Dvorak’s music to be hard-driven and fiery, in a very Germanic style, but forget that Dvorak was Czech, and he wasn’t Beethoven, or in any way arising from Beethoven’s symphonic tradition. You can always tell when a Czech orchestra is playing, or another orchestra is persuaded to play in a Czech manner in Dvorak’s music. There is a charm and geniality, tunefulness and a flowingly-rhythmicality, rather than über-sharp edges and bombast.If you want the Germanic way, try other sets, but this set allows the music to unfold naturally and beautifully. Some may find it too uneventful, but I don’t. The sound is good and natural, in the manner of Supraphon recordings, rather than spotlit and artificial. You feel to be in a concert hall, rather than a small studio space miked up to sound larger.The playing from both orchestras is very good. Pesek knows where the music is going and takes it there in beautiful paths, reflecting the essential gracefulness of the music, even when it is dramatic.Ignore the odd remark that the set belongs in the bin from one kindly soul, it’s his review that belongs there, surely?This is a splendid way to get to know and love Dvorak’s orchestral music at a really good price, in recordings which will stand the test of repeated listening.

At its best this set is excellent, whether it's the noble sweep of the Czech strings in Symphony No.4, or the first movement of Symphony No.8 where the contrasting themes are lovingly played and atmospherically recorded in Liverpool. Sadly that magic is not achieved throughout: Symphony No.5 suffers from a rather distant recording, and combined with Pesek's relaxed tempos that leads to a feeling of un-involvement: I listened to Jansons to compare and found a lot more energy and a more immediate recording. The Czech Suite also sounds rather distant with the woodwind overly recessed: here (and in many other works) the recording team have clearly gone for a concert hall sound without excess spotlighting, Turning up the volume helps but it often feels like you're at the back of the hall.I already have several alternative recordings of the three last symphonies, and though Pesek's Nos.7 and 9 are absolutely fine they don't compete with my existing favourites. The New World's famous largo is beautifully played, benefiting from the conductor's preference for slower tempos, but the faster movements lack the last ounces of energy and excitement.I really struggled in star-rating this cycle, which was recorded 1987-96. My main interest in purchasing was the early symphonies and I was somewhat disappointed in the first three (I would give Symphonies Nos.1-3 and 5 three stars only). They're not Dvorak's greatest compositions, and the composer struck 1-4 out of his own list of his compositions: Pesek and his orchestras are not the best advocate for 1-3, and if the early symphonies are your interest too you should look at the alternatives. No.6 and In Nature's Realm are also well recorded and get very fine performances in Prague, like the last three symphonies in Liverpool, which made me decide for 4 stars overall.Symphonies Nos.1-3 & 5 ***Symphonies Nos. 7-9 ****Symphonies Nos. 4 & 6 *****The other orchestral works were recorded at the same times and I'd give similar ratings.

Little to add to the more detailed reviews but would say that both orchestras perfomed admirably and with depth andfeeling. Credit is due to Libor Pesek.

Libor Pešek’s Dvorák cycle, recorded by Warner Classics between 1987 and 1996, has now been re-packaged into a 7-CD budget box. Most of the competitive sets such as Decca's Kertész/LSO, Rowicki/LSO, and DG's Kubelik/BPO, comprise only six discs, but Pešek’s also includes a generous selection of tone poems, suites, and overtures. Plus, unlike the rest of the cycles, Pešek’s Dvorák symphonies are not split between discs. Quite a steal and a bargain. Highly recommended.

This is not a review. Just wanted to point out that there are other sets that don't break the symphonies between disks:  Dvorak: Symphonies Complete , Dvorak: Symphonies Nos 1-9 , Dvorak: The Symphonies , Dvorak: 9 Symphonies .