DVORAK

 

Symphony No.8 in G major Op.88

Symphony No.9 “From the new world” in E minor

 

A recording of Sir Charles Mackerras’ gala 80th birthday concert in the Smetana Hall of the Municipal House in Prague, September 2005.

 

Sir Charles returned to one of his favourite orchestras after a long period of they celebrated their reunion with a joyous performance of two Czech masterpieces.

 

Fully serviced to both classical press and media and broadsheets.

 

Prague Symphony Orchestra/ Sir Charles Mackerras

 

Charles Mackerras's empathy with Czech music yet again comes to the fore in these energised performances of Dvorák's last two symphonies. Both were recorded live in Prague last September with the city's eponymous symphony orchestra, which on this evidence yields nothing to the better-known Czech Philharmonic in this repertoire. The bravos that greet the end of each symphony say it all - and for once these responses have not been edited out.

 

In typical fashion, Mackerras drives the exuberant music of both finales with a fire that belies his 80 years. But he also knows how to caress a phrase, to tap Dvorák's endless stream of lyricism for its melodic and emotional heart, whether in the nostalgia of the New World 's famous slow movement or in the fresh-faced open-air feel to the opening allegro of No 8. It is the sort of music-making that constantly raises a smile, and at the same time thrills the senses in excitement at the climaxes, thanks not least to the full-bodied Supraphon recording. A winner.

Matthew Rye, Telegraph

 

Supraphon SU38482