Antonín Dvořák - Symphonies Nos. 8 & 9 (Rafael Kubelík)

Information

Composer: Antonín Dvořák

• Symphony No. 8 in G major, Op. 88
• Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 - "From the New World"

Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

Rafael Kubelík, conductor

Date: 1966; 1972

Label: Deutsche Grammophon

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Review

These accounts are quite magnificent, and their claims on the allegiance of collectors remain strong. Their freshness and vigour remind one of what it was like to hear these symphonies for the first time. The atmosphere is authentic in feeling and the sense of nature seems uncommonly acute. Kubelík has captured the enthusiasm of his players and generates a sense of excitement and poetry. The playing of the Berlin Philharmonic is marvellously eloquent and, as is often the case, a joy in itself. The woodwinds phrase with great poetic feeling and imagination, and all the departments of this great orchestra respond with sensitivity and virtuosity.

The recording has great dynamic range and encompasses the most featherweight string pianissimos to the fullest orchestral tutti without discomfort. The listener is placed well back in the hall so that the woodwind, though they blend beautifully, may seem a little too recessed for some tastes, though it should be said that there’s no lack of vividness, power or impact. The balance and the timbre of each instrument is natural and truthful; nothing is made larger than life and Kubelík has a natural warmth and flexibility. This will remain high on any list of recommendations for it has a vernal freshness that’s wholly reviving.

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Antonín Dvořák (September 8, 1841 – May 1, 1904) was a Czech composer. He was the second Czech composer to achieve worldwide recognition, after Bedřich Smetana. Following Smetana's nationalist example, many of Dvořák's works show the influence of Czech folk music, such as his  two sets of Slavonic Dances, the Symphonic Variations, and the overwhelming majority of his songs. Dvořák wrote in a variety of forms: nine symphonies, ten operas, three concertos, several symphonic poems, serenades for string orchestra and wind ensemble, more than 40 works of chamber music, and piano music.

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Rafael Kubelík (29 June 1914 – 11 August 1996) was a Czech-born conductor and composer. Kubelík was music director of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra (1941–48), the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (1950–53), The Royal Opera, Covent Garden (1955–58), and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra (1961–79). He was also a frequent guest conductor for leading orchestras in Europe and America. Kubelík's complete discography is enormous, with complete cycles of Beethoven, Brahms, Dvořák, and Mahler symphonies. As a composer, Kubelík wrote 5 operas, 3 symphonies, chamber music, choral works, and songs.

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