BaL 29.10.11 Dvorak's Symphony no. 8

**Barbirollians** · 21-10-11, 10:46

One horse race ! Barbirolli's Pye recording rightly given a Rosette for many years . Is it nla ?

**amateur51** · 21-10-11, 10:54

A wonderful list, EA but I first got to know this beautiful symphony on a set conducted by Solti - was it VPO? I assume it's no longer available. Is the Colin Davis/Concertgebouw also unavailable?

How nice that Rob Cowan is in charge too - this should be an outstanding BaL

**Chris Newman** · 21-10-11, 10:56

May I go for the historic thriller? Basil Cameron and the National Philharmonic Orchestra on Beulah 1PD27 “The Art of Basil Cameron”.

**salymap** · 21-10-11, 10:56

I started out in the 50s/60s with the Czech PO and Talich on 78s. Later my favourite was the RLPO and Pesek. Both very good IMO.
I have Menuhin and the RPO in a Dvorak box, but no competition for the other two. We shall see; poor Rob,what a task.

**Tony Halstead** · 21-10-11, 10:56

Let's earnestly hope that he doesn't choose the Mackerras/ LPO, of which I heard only the first movement the other day on a certain radio station.
It pains me to say this as I am a great fan of both the LPO and the late, great Sir Charles, but there were some quite horrible matters of balance and ensemble, e.g. brass far too loud for much of the time, thin string tone, timpani always slightly ahead of everyone else, and a 'non-acoustic' not too far removed from an anechoic chamber.

Lovely flute playing wasn't enough to redeem things, unfortunately.

**Eine Alpensinfonie** · 21-10-11, 13:28

Originally posted by Barbirollians View Post

One horse race ! Barbirolli's Pye recording rightly given a Rosette for many years . Is it nla ?

That's my favourite version too - about as far removed from the dreadfully dull (but "accurate" (his word) Harnoncourt as you can get.

**verismissimo** · 21-10-11, 13:39

I've always loved Kubelik with the BPO in this symphony.

Wonder how Kertesz/LSO stands up?

I'll re-listen to both.

**Biffo** · 21-10-11, 13:41

I've just listened to the Barbirolli version (recorded 1957); I'm assuming it is the Pye version although it is described as being copyright EMI. It might not get considered as it is not generally available though Amazon has it at prices ranging from £12.49 - £35.53. It is fine performance but doesn't displace my longstanding favourite, Kubelik/Berlin PO.

**visualnickmos** · 21-10-11, 13:43

A question:

About the Barbirolli Pye version; is it the one with the Halle Orchestra, (rec 1958) which I have on a 2-disc set under the label 'Royal Classics?' If it is, I have to say it is pure brilliance.

Hopefully some kind soul will let me know. Thanks in advance.

**Biffo** · 21-10-11, 13:50

Visualnickmos: We must have posted simultaneously. I have it as part of 3-disc Royal Classics set that also has Symphonies No 7 & 9, the Scherzo Capriccioso, Serenade in D minor, 3 legends and the Brahms Double Concerto. Symphony No 8 was recorded 28-29 June 1957. Did EMI buy the Pye catalogue at some point?

**amateur51** · 21-10-11, 14:32

The Barbirolli set mentioned earlier, not truly cheap but not outrageously expensive either

Amazon.co.uk

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Symphony-Nos-7-9-Scherzo-Capriccioso/dp/B00000HYTM/ref=sr_1_7?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1319207437&sr=1-7

**visualnickmos** · 21-10-11, 15:23

Hi Biffo (msg 11)
We also have the same set. As you point out - a 3-disc - not 2, as I mistekenly wrote (from memory!)
It really is a stunning collection - the Brahms double concerto is a superb performance (disc 1) with Alfredo Campoli (with whose playing I am not familiar) and the great André Navarra. All in all, a bargain that I came across in HMV (Oxford St) many years ago.
As for EMI buying Pye's catalogue - I have no idea. I'm not really very 'up' on the behind-the-scenes aspects of the music recording industry, but I get the impression it is a fascinating subject.

**verismissimo** · 21-10-11, 16:06

Originally posted by visualnickmos View Post

Hi Biffo (msg 11) ...with Alfredo Campoli (with whose playing I am not familiar)...

Truly one of the elect, vnm.

**mikealdren** · 21-10-11, 16:40

Originally posted by visualnickmos View Post

Hi Biffo (msg 11)
Alfredo Campoli (with whose playing I am not familiar)

Explore his playing further, he was a wonderful artist and most of his recordings are available on cheap labels. His Mendelssohn is particularly good and his light music recordings on Pearl are wonderful.

Mike

BaL 29.10.11 Dvorak's Symphony no. 8

BaL 29.10.11 Dvorak's Symphony no. 8

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