BaL 21.12.13 - Dvorak Symphony no. 6

[makropulos]

Thank you. As ever, your expertise is invaluable.

Well, Alpie, your thoroughness in preparing these lists every week is even more invaluable (if it's possible to be such a thing :) )

[visualnickmos]

A great listing Alpen (as ever)

I wouldn't be at all surprised if there are one or two dark horses in that lot! It'll be an interesting BaL for sure.

[Karafan]

Couldn't this be a Kubelik double-whammy after this week's Parsifal??

(I'd be quite happy with this as I have his DG performance, on LP and CD...)

All well and good, LMP, unless they opt for his live one on Orfeo! (Which is a spirited affair, IIRC).

In modern sound Chung and his Viennese forces are very affecting....

[verismissimo]

Marvellous. I understand the received wisdom is Kertesz...

Kertesz a bit hard-driven for my taste.

Anyone for Mackerras?

[aeolium]

Kertesz a bit hard-driven for my taste.

Not for mine. I think this was one of the finest of his Dvorak recordings, with the LSO in great form - and wonderful Decca SXL sound (at least as I first heard it on LP).

I'd be interested in hearing Rowicki and also BRSO/Kubelik which for some reason I haven't encountered.

[akiralx]

I'd be interested in hearing Rowicki and also BRSO/Kubelik which for some reason I haven't encountered.

Just this week I listened to Kubelik's two recordings on consecutive days and had a preference for the earlier DG, especially the slow movement. It is hardly inferior in sound (was it recorded in the Jesus-Christus Kirche?).

Both are excellent however - the BRSO comes c/w Janacek's Sinfonietta. The DG can be had in a twofer of syms 6-9.

[LeMartinPecheur]

Just this week I listened to Kubelik's two recordings on consecutive days and had a preference for the earlier DG, especially the slow movement. It is hardly inferior in sound (was it recorded in the Jesus-Christus Kirche?).

The DG 6-9 twofer says Yes, for all the recordings.

[aeolium]

I thought this was an enjoyable BaL, with extracts from quite a few of the many recordings available. Alsop's recording sounded very good, as did Belohlavek's with the Czech PO. I also enjoyed Mackerras and Colin Davis and the tantalising single extract from BPO/Kubelik (I couldn't hear what the reviewer was complaining about). But I agree with him about the Kertesz, a quite outstanding recording which I have never heard bettered.

The sole extract from the Rowicki was a real disappointment - what a pedestrian opening, followed by an abrupt acceleration!

[BBMmk2]

I see people's point about the Kertesz but as the reviewer said, the sound is a bit dated now and I thought Mackerras and CD were not too bad subs?

[amateur51]

I see people's point about the Kertesz but as the reviewer said, the sound is a bit dated now and I thought Mackerras and CD were not too bad subs?

A bit like my lug'oles then - sounds fine to me

[LeMartinPecheur]

This BaL inspired me to carry out a census of my Dvorak symph discs. Up popped the Talich on Naxos which I'd forgotten, and a BBC MM BBCSO/ Belohlavek to go with the Kubelik (x2) mentioned above. But should I get that Kertesz?? (His wonderful 8th was the first Dvorak symph in my LP collection - I never rushed to get the New World - but for some reason I've never bought any more of his cycle.)

Well, if it's coupled with 4 and 5 I'm still a bit light on those so I think I can justify it

Toughest question after the census is, Will the completist trainspotter in me cope without the 2nd? Having been horribly disappointed with the 1st and only slightly more impressed with the 3rd, that's a real toughie

PS The Kertesz 4/5/6 twofer duly ordered but managed to steer clear of the 1/2/3 one.

[BBMmk2]

That BBC MM cd is rather good. I think has a Novak piece with it?

[Bryn]

Managed to grab a "Used - Like New" set of all 9 (Kertesz) at £14.21 including p&p. That'll do nicely.

[Roehre]

That BBC MM cd is rather good. I think has a Novak piece with it?

That's the one indeed.

[LeMartinPecheur]

That BBC MM cd is rather good. I think has a Novak piece with it?

Eternal Longing.

(Nothing personal you understand, bbm...)