Are You A 'New World' Symphony Snob?

[Roehre]

I've never knowingly heard the Dvorak 4. Like BBM the only complete cycle I have is the Kubelik which came with the DG boxed set I had a couple of years ago. Apparently, Kubelik was reluctant to record the complete cycle (at least the early symphonies) and the only one I've heard so far outside of 7 - 9 has been the 1st which made me think that Kubelik was right.

I'll have to find time to listen to the 4th.

Petrushka, it was only the first symphony about which Kubelik was reluctant.

For this there is an excellent introduction in the booklet accompanying the Dvorak volume of the 1973 DGG Symphony edition (to celebrate its 75th anniversary - also with 46 Mozart/Böhm; Beethoven/Böhm; Schubert/Böhm; Haydn 12 London/LSO-Jochum; Schumann/Karajan; Mendelssohn/Karajan; Brahms/Abbado; Sibelius/Kamu-Karajan; Tchaikovsky/Tilson thoma-Abbado-Atzmon-Mravinsky; Bruckner/Jochum; Mahler/Kubelik)

This 9 LP-set was the first release of this Kubelik cycle.

But we have to keep in mind that at that moment there were AFAIK only three other complete cycles available or nearly completed: Kertesz, Rowicki and Neumann. Like with Mahler and the early Tchaikovskys: times have changed.

[Nick Armstrong]

This is not an earth-shattering work that will change the way you view existence - well, maybe not. It's a bright, tuneful, life-enhancing piece of fun that makes you want to buy Dvorak a drink.

The scherzo of No 4 is especially addictive! I'm sure it must have been used as the theme music to one of those black & white BBC serial dramas, as I have a vague and distant memory of it; but for the life of me I've not been able to find out which (or even if). A free to anyone who can pin that down! (and yes, an for Antonin too).

[Cockney Sparrow]

"The Expert" - Marius Goring as a forensic scientist - the series used music by Dvorak as a signature theme. I'll check to see if its the 4th and update this post.....

Having checked, yes its the Scherzo from the 4th. (Listening to it now, having found the Rowicki on Google Play Music All Access).

[Roehre]

The scherzo of No 4 is especially addictive! I'm sure it must have been used as the theme music to one of those black & white BBC serial dramas, as I have a vague and distant memory of it; but for the life of me I've not been able to find out which (or even if). A free to anyone who can pin that down! (and yes, an for Antonin too).

Indeed, very addictive. And you can play it slow (with the trio almost funereal, Neumann) or very lively, like a kind of quick march (Kubelik, Kertesz e.g.). Also an example (next to Brahms' Requiem 2nd mvt) of a march in triple time.

[Petrushka]

I played the Kubelik earlier and Pabs has it about right. Pleasant, tuneful but ultimately not a patch on the last three would be my verdict. The third movement sounded very much like a quick march to me and I used to watch The Expert with Marius Goring so must have heard at least some of the work without knowing it.

[Nick Armstrong]

"The Expert" - Marius Goring as a forensic scientist - the series used music by Dvorak as a signature theme. I'll check to see if its the 4th and update this post.....

Having checked, yes its the Scherzo from the 4th. (Listening to it now, having found the Rowicki on Google Play Music All Access).

That's a I owe you! Yes - loved that series when I was a nipper - that's it ! Thanks for ending the uncertainty.

I recommend Pet tries to hear No 4 in the Rowicki version - I think Kubelik skates over the surface of it.

[Barbirollians]

What about Kertesz in the earlier symphonies ?

[Roehre]

What about Kertesz in the earlier symphonies ?

Excellent and convincing

[cloughie]

Excellent and convincing

I would agree with that description and back in the days of LP had the additional visual impact of a Breughel sleeve!

[Barbirollians]

I would agree with that description and back in the days of LP had the additional visual impact of a Breughel sleeve!

I recall that on my LP of the New World .

I have ordered the Double Decca of 4-6 as I already have his 5,7-9 and will look out for a cheaper second hand copy of his 1-3 in due course .

[BBMmk2]

#146(Cali) I might have a look at that cycle

[Barbirollians]

The Rowicki cycle is absurdly cheap from Amazon so I have added that too !

[Ferretfancy]

The Rowicki cycle is absurdly cheap from Amazon so I have added that too !

You certainly won't be disappointed, 5 & 6 are especially fine.

[BBMmk2]

You certainly won't be disappointed, 5 & 6 are especially fine.

The Decca or Phillips cycles?

[Nick Armstrong]

The Decca or Phillips cycles?

They're talking about this Decca one