Repertoire: The BEST Dvořák Symphony Cycles

Given Dvořák's acknowledged importance and popularity, there are surprisingly few complete cycles of the nine symphonies, although fortunately most of them are good to excellent. The reason for this odd situation stems primarily from the tendency to dismiss his early works--quite unfairly in my opinion. So here are all the complete sets that you need to know about, along with a musical example (courtesy of Brilliant Classics) that may surprise you.

[@kimjy7118]

As a newbie who is severely affected by your ardent love for Dvorak, I'm buying more Dvorak symphonies sets than I imagined I would be. Now I have Kubelik, analogue Neumann, Rowicki, and Suitner. I truly love all of them and I don't think I can really rank them in order. Great performances in their own ways!

[@PelmetsAreAwesome]

I had to edit my previous comment, as I want to take a crack at an ideal list. First, thanks for the Suitner, Rowicki, and Anguélov recommendations. I love all three of those and I was not familiar with them before your video. Here's my ideal Dvořák cycle: No. 1 - Anguélov (Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra) No. 2 - Suitner (Staatskapelle Berlin) No. 3 - Rowicki (London Symphony Orchestra) No. 4 - Hengelbrock (NDR Sinfonieorchester) No. 5 - Jansons (Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra) No. 6 - Kubelick (Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra) No. 7 - Dohnányi (Cleveland Orchestra) No. 8 - Blomstedt (Staatskapelle Dresden) No. 9 - Bernstein (New York Philharmonic)

[@josecarmona9168]

I'm now just coming into Dvorak's works, so I'm so glad for this video. Also, I'd like to remark how great and underrated Václav Neumann is. I have read some critics always talking of him as a kind of second class Ančerl, with no inspiration. But for me he's one of the very greatest. And I tend to think you are of the same opinion, at least in what at Dvorak, Janaček or Martinu refers (I'd add his wonderful Mahler cycle). So, waiting for a Neumann Supraphon box. And of course waiting more yet for Your next video.

[@martinbynion1589]

One thing that I love about Dvorak is his deserved reputation as a major composer would lived a life filled with almost constant happiness and satisfaction. No psychological twists and turns here! And it SHOWS! he wrote so much glorious and thrilling music, as you, Dave make clear. I cut my teeth on the Kertesz LSO cycle and have never looked back. For newbies, don't wait for the peak of the "New World"! The sixth, seventh and, especially the EIGHTH are on at least as high a level. In fact, I would say, start with the fourth and fifth and go on to glory! Thanks for your great plug for this wondrous composer, Dave! LATE FLASH! After that excerpt of the second, I'm now going to REALLY get to know every measure of the entire Cycle.

[@trialman121950]

The 2nd is one of my favorites. The opening melody of the last movement pushes my emotional buttons to the max. I absolutely love it and repeat it at least twice when I listen to this symphony.

[@jimcrawford5039]

The first set I bought was the Kertesz (Vinyl) also the Rowicki around the same time. Later I bought the Neumann & Kubelik. They are all marvellous in their own way, although I was never fond of the Kertesz New World. But I love the Ormandy / LSO recording., which sounds like the Philadelphia! Amazing!

[@Nyssa337]

Mr Hurwitz - I love your passion for Dvorak’s music! Your Dvorak book from the Unlocking the Masters series is a wonderful resource that I reference frequently. I’ve had that “sleeper” cycle (Slovak Radio Symphony) for years and love it. I’m thrilled it meets with your approval as well. My sincere thanks for all the recommendations on this KZbin channel.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Thank you!

[@artistinbeziers7916]

Thanks, David. As always - I enjoyed this excellent talk. I'm pleased you discussed Libor Pesek's set. I am constantly finding more and more gravitating towards this set entering my top three of the embarassingly high number of my Dvorak sets! His sixth is utterly sublime. In general terms, the only Dvorak symphony I 'struggle' with is the first.....

[@charlesedwards5302]

I can't stop listening to the 4th - it's amazingly touching and beautifully sad - the second movt..... Yikes. And with Rowicki especially so. Thanks for opening my ears to this stuff!

[@raycatellier2079]

My favourite Dvořák symphony is the 4th, and it has been for years. I find it to be his most lyrical symphony. I enjoy the Pesek performances of the symphonies and I haven't heard a better performance of 4th.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Which ones have you heard?

[@raycatellier2079]

I freely admit I haven't heard the Rowicki or the Neumann for the 4th, thus my opinion still has room for it to change. Especially now hearing about the fast pace of the Rowicki, that might be up my alley as I generally tend to prefer quicker tempos with most works.

[@raycatellier2079]

I promise to keep on listening based on your talk!

[@Recolation]

There was a recent-ish recording from Hengelbrock that's pretty great. Probably my favorite performance of the 4th.

[@detectivehome3318]

Try Suitner Beleive me, it's a knockout, especially the finale

[@neiltheblaze]

I have loved the Dvorak cycle for decades and have always been puzzled by the lack of performances and relative neglect of the earlier Dvorak symphonies in the concert hall. I mean it's still rather an event if a major orchestra does the fifth or sixth symphony - never mind the second or third. The Kertesz cycle is the one I'm familiar with and treasure it immensely - but I'm now very curious about some of these other sets you discuss. This was great, thanks!

[@estel5335]

Finally! The spell is broken! I may listen to Dvorak again!

[@Danzig987]

A great traversal of the options for the fabulous complete Dvorak symphony cycle. I agree that the two London Symphony sets are the most musically satisfying -- at least to my ears. Is it heresy to admit that my personal favorite Dvorak symphony is #3? Of course I love them all, but I've never met anyone else who shares my #1 pick ...

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

I think 3 is gorgeous. How can you not love that opening theme? Did you know, the original version had bass drum and cymbals in the finale along with the triangle. I think it probably was a good idea to take them out, but I am curious to hear it that way. The first edition included the parts in an appendix.

[@kylejohnson8877]

No. 3 is my third favorite after nos. 7 and 8. A terribly underrated and tremendously accomplished work with a sweeping opening movement, a somber yet beautiful funeral march slow movement, and an infectiously joyous finale. As Dave would say, “what’s not to love?”!

[@AlexMadorsky]

It might be heresy, but if so, it’s the good kind. #3 has a strong claim to being the best. I’m still a New World guy, but #3 and #8 are right behind.

[@Danzig987]

@@DavesClassicalGuide Yeah ... I don't think I'd want to hear the last movement done that way. Reminds me of something I read about Johan Halvorsen's Symphony #2 (I think), which has so much triangle and concert bells written into the score that even Neeme Jarvi felt compelled to remove most of it when preparing for his Chandos recording.

[@Danzig987]

@@kylejohnson8877 My sentiments exactly. I'd travel halfway across the country to see that symphony in concert.

[@carlconnor5173]

I’ve been listening to Rowicki’s and find it very, very well done. And if I never heard Kertez’s I’d be perfectly content with the Rowicki. But the warmth, breadth and tempi of Kertez won me over long ago. There may be bit of a subconscious “imprint” thing involved. But I don’t think so. Rowicki is kind of in the middle between Kertez and Kubelik. Any of the three are rewarding. As for the couplings, yeah, ya gotta have more than one, (like Schaefer beer.) Suitner intrigues me too. But I don’t think I could abide that rocking chair, already having a satisfying cycle. By the way, I was listening to the 3rd (long time, no hear),. That Adagio is one of the most beautiful, imaginatively magical ever composed! A side note: Speaking of Suitner, earlier today I heard Suitner’s “Drumroll” Symphony by Haydn on the radio. It was as exciting, melodious and Romantic as a Haydn Symphony could be performed. And I think Haydn would be thrilled.

[@nicholasjschlosser1724]

Thanks for the excellent talk. One of the things I love about your Dvorak videos is how much you emphasize just how confident Dvorak was as a composer. It's a shame so many scholars take an apologetic approach to him considering the composer himself was as self-assured as he was original.

[@xxsaruman82xx87]

I've watched this video more times than I can count, and I wholeheartedly share your love of Dvorak! I'm collecting my music on vinyl, and I've already collected the 6, 7 and 8 of the Kertesz cycle, and his earlier performance of the New World with the Vienna Phil, but I can't wait to get my hands on more, especially the Rowicki. The cover of the old Philips box set, I remember, has a gorgeous photo of Prague with the Church of Our Lady before Týn in the foreground.

[@alfredolabbe]

Dear David, again, thanks for another wonderful video. I have been a devotee of Dvorak since my teens (during the sixties!) There was a Classical Music Radio Station in Chile broadcasting the early symphonies and symphonic poems in the Supraphon versions with Neumann, Smetacek and Sejna (what a delightful shock, for instance, to "discover" clarinets playing with vibrato, and the brass! And the perky, incisive timpani!). Now all those recordings occupy a place of pride in my collection (and I'll wait in expectation for your video on early Neumann). In my first visit to the USA, in 1974, I bought the "Bells of Zlonice" with Kertesz which I played until ruining the poor LP. So, I share your enthusiasm for the early symphonies: my favourite amongst them is number 3 and I must confess having never abandoned my allegiance to the early Smetacek version. In my opinion the opening movement yields better musical results if played at a restrained tempo (it's allegro moderato, anyway). As a cycle I would vote for Kubelik and Berlin (their Fourth is terrific, and Kubelik gets the scherzo absolutely right). By the way, I "learned" the Seventh in the old, mono, Kubelik version with the Philharmonia. What do you think? Bravo again, maestro Hurwitz (there is mastery in your trade, of course). Greetings from Santiago...

[@emiljung1276]

Thanks a million to you! Not only are we expanding our classical experiences, but vocabulary as well - "namby pamby." My new favorite word!

[@isaacsegal2844]

The Suitner set arrived a few days ago, adding to my Kertesz, Kubelik, and Rowicki. Wonderful performances-the slow movements seem especially lyrical, but there's energy to spare when the music calls for it. Thanks for letting us know about it.

[@davidaiken1061]

Dave, I think this is my favorite of all your online reviews. In large part, because I share your love of Dvorak, early, middle and late; but also because I appreciated your selection of the underrated Rowicki cycle for "first choice." Not that the others in your recommended list, at least the ones I know, are anything less than splendid; but Rowicki manages to bring an extra charge of excitement and idiomatic flair to those wonderful half dozen earlier symphonies. His Third, Fifth and Sixth are finer even than Kubelik, who was long my "first choice" in this repertoire before I heard Rowicki. Why isn't Czech music, beyond the usual suspects, valued more highly?

[@bubbles-1020]

What's awesome about Rowicki is that you can hear the basslines so nicely! His version of the seventh is the recording that made me go "wait there's the double basses playing at the beginning?"

[@martinbynion1589]

I gave Kertesz the thumbs up in my earlier comment, but Rowicki is on the same level - I can totally recommend his sixth and seventh!

[@markwolf1374]

Just picked up ( individually) the Milwaukee-Macal cycle. It’s my first hearings of any of the 1-6 symphonies. Picked them up after listening to the earlier video on the 5th. So - thanks! You commented something to the effect of one (or two) of these are the recordings you come back to. That would be in interesting chat...when you’re not reviewing things and are listening to just listen to something, what do you listen to? What are the recordings you come back to?

[@jimyoung9262]

Your love for Dvorak is infectious

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Thank God there's a vaccine!

[@estel5335]

It really is contagious - in the most positive way!

[@tonytaylor3476]

Marvellous video Mr H. I have all of your top 5 or 6 including the Anguelov (which is marvellous). I haven’t heard any Neumann, but can put that right 😂 I am a half way through the nicely done Naxos box, it’s a great one to delve into when you’re in the mood for a one box does all, and has all. It really is a great non discerning listen. Thank you for such a great video!!

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

You're very welcome.

[@stephaningleby2352]

The bells of Zlonice is a fabulous symphony. The church is next to the music school where Dvorak had his early education. I agree with you David about scholarship! Wimps!

[@DanielGreineder]

Great survey. On your recommendation I bought the Suitner set and have never looked back. I love the tangy orchestral sound and verve.

[@michaelshort7472]

I was lucky enough to get the Kertez complete Dvorak symphonies on LP in the early 1970s, and I was astounded at what I was hearing. To listen to my music professors, the only Dvorak worth listening to was the New World Symphony. Personally, my favorite is the Symphony No. 3, but I've performed the 6th twice (once with the Prague Symphony Orchestra on their American tour in 2005) and love listening to Nos.1 through 6. As for your singing, it's your videos, do what you want!

[@Therealzartharn]

Nice overview. I’ve been enjoying Marin Alsop’s recordings of 6-9 on Naxos and hope she completes the cycle on later releases. I suspect the reason Dvorak is underrated as a major symphonic composer is that the “New World,” one of the most popular symphonies ever composed, has so overshadowed his earlier work.

[@jwhend49]

Your talks are always a delight and this one is no exception. The Kertesz box was my favorite for many years until I discovered Kubelik's great performances. Based on your recommendations I plan to add the Rowicki to my collection. In the meantime, keep on singing!

[@arthatron2486]

So glad you love 2nd symphony! Believe this particular piece is waiting for its time. My only problem is the first movement, even for me it is bit confusing. Howewer the rest I just adore. It is (as you said) absolutely original, it is fiery and tranquille the very same time, and of course - so listener friendly!

[@detectivehome3318]

My IDEAL Dvorak Cycle No.1, 2, 3, 4 - Suitner No.5 - Rowicki No.6 - Kubelik (DG/Orfeo) No.7 - Szell or Colin Davis No.8 - Kubelik (DG) Exciting as hell No.9 - Silvestri for fast tempos and lots of excitement, Fricsay for the EPIC finale and the singing Largo, Bernstein just for the exciting scherzo and a performance with punch.

[@djquinn4212]

First time I heard Dvorak 2 on the way to singing a performance of Tamino and it put me in the best mood I had ever been in before singing. It's a gloriuos piece and it's a shame that no one ever does it. Fantastic piece! I love the Kertesz recording, he's my ultimate "what could have been" conductor. I love his set. Will have to give the Suitner a listen, DAMN I love that symphony! Thanks for doing the full Dvorak set talk. Can i put in my request for an "Ideal" bruckner cycle video with no repeat conductors and no repeat orchestras? Also putting a request for best czech and russian operas that you've never heard and you shouldn't go another second without listening to.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Sure, I can do those...hang in there. Slavic operas would be fun, but there are a lot of them...even essential ones.

[@djquinn4212]

@@DavesClassicalGuide just watched the pique dame that the met is streaming for free and I’m kicking myself that I’ve never heard all of it before, just a couple arias. Waiting patiently and dutifully for these!

[@estel5335]

@@DavesClassicalGuide Yes, please David!

[@mangstadt1]

Back in 1990 or 1991, maybe 1992, there was a complete Dvorak symphony cycle at the National Auditorium in Madrid, Spain. I think it was the Czech Philharmonic and the conductors were Vaclav Neumann and Jiri Behlolavec, at the time the former and incoming principal conductors of the orchestra. It was a nice experience. Neuman would sit in the choir stalls behind the orchestra when Behlolavec was conducting. I bought the Andrew Davis box some time ago :( Can't always get it right.

[@songsmith31a]

Happy indeed that my bargain buy of the Suitner issue on Brilliant Classics is so well thought of. I had every confidence in buying it "unheard" after the most welcome BC issue of romantic piano concertos that impressed me previously. Nice to get quality at such appealing prices.

[@gregdecker3518]

thanks again so much, David. i've been learning very much from you.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

My pleasure!

[@sjc1204]

I have all the Neeme Järvi Dvořák discs which I like a lot and the DG Kubelik budget box but now I'm really eager to hear Neumann and Suitner. Of the symphonies, the sixth and eights are my favorites.

[@Wolfcrag85]

Some time ago, after one of your videos on Dvorak, I grabbed my Rowicki box and listened to the 5th and 3rd symphonies. Why these works aren't performed more often beats me entirely. Dvorak is a master orchestrator and colorist.

[@frankbaum5236]

It is reassuring to hear David state what I have long thought, that the unequivocal masterpieces among Dvorak's symphonies begin with No. 5 (and not No. 7). What great works the 5th and 6th symphonies are and how unfortunate they are ignored to some extent compared to final three. I have used a similar turn of phrase that David used in this video, saying that Dvorak wrote three great pastoral symphonies, 5, 6, and 8 (rather than his 2, 5, and 8; I admittedly don't know 2 very well). I wonder if he does not consider 6 pastoral due to the exuberant scherzo. Nonetheless, these are three of the great major key symphonies.

[@WyldRage]

Thank you. As someone who just started listening to Classical music this year, these surveys are invaluable. On the subject, Dvorak cycles, I recently fell upon a very recent cycle by Marcus Bosch and the Staatsphilharmonie Nürnberg on Coviello, all on SACD. The sound samples on Presto appear nice, but they don't tell the whole story. Anyone here has an opinion on these releases?

[@michaelmyers2757]

Finally, someone who has a vocabulary... and did you ever do stand up? How do you have time to listen? Audio in the bathroom 🚽? I agree with your comments. I heard Czech Phil live about 1982 and took many in the brass section out for beers.I also played principal trumpet in the bush leagues for 6,8,9.And heard ourNational Sym do an energized 7 at Kennedy Center. My teacher was principal trumpet there an d liked how Zuckerman would cut them loose. Thx for another great video

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Thank you and yes, my bathroom has superb acoustics.

[@michaelmyers2757]

Thx so much.I went to a few pubs in Ealing, loved it except for the odd bloke wanting to chat me up about astral projection.I was on holiday from Kobenhavns U.The Czechs were on tour so it was only 2 beers each....or3 or..can’t remember 🤔

[@michaelmyers2757]

Oh. They were on tour in Topeka, Kansas!

[@Danzig987]

@@DavesClassicalGuide It's always nice when the bathroom has nice reverberant acoustics for when the Toot Suite is played!

[@barryguerrero7652]

I'll take Dvoark 2 over Bruckner 2 any day. That's just me. I like the Rowicki cycle quite a bit. I've never heard the Suitner. Good stuff. The Czech and the French are hugely underrated.

[@maximisaev6974]

You've got me curious, very very curious Dave. Sure there are wonderful individual Dvorak recordings, but I've always come down firmly for Kertesz as far as complete cycles go. It's your passionate advocacy for Suitner and the generous, and yes outstanding except you provided that's convinced me it's time to listen to another Dvorak cycle--And for only $15, it's a shameless steal. Thank you for your recommendation, and I'll let you know how it goes when it shows up in the mail in the next couple of days.

[@gp365y]

Thanks man, I was able to snag the Suitner set on amazon for next to nothing. Can't wait! Haven't even heard some of the early symphonies so pretty excited.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@muzluv33]

Hello again David. Liked your video and agree with most of your review. As a devoted Dvorak fan. let me tell you I have all but two of the cycles you reviewed. I had the Gunzenhauser (my first complete Dvorak symphony cycle by the way) but for the same reasons as you I parted with it via the thrift shop route. I also do not have the Anguelov but thanks to you i now know about it and may just grab it. I agree with you re the Jarvi - the SNO is grossly underrated and so is the playing on this set. Yes, the Andrew Davis set is lackluster but I still listen to it now and then. However, I have a softer spot for the Behlolavek though i agree with you re the changed sound of the Czech Phil - but this loss of identity that is happening to orchestras all around the world - an internationalization that is making everyone sound alike though there is something positive re the improved technical proficiency though sadly with loss.of character. Enjoy all the sets I own in that each has something to offer even if I do not always agree with this detail or that. One rahter somber note - when i listen to Kertesz, any of his recordings, I think about his shockingly premature passing at the age of 43 and the way he went and wonder what he would have given us had he lived longer. Enough morbidity - I ask if you could please do a review of Ma Vlast recordings if you hadn't already. Would love to hear your reviews on that great work and trade opinions. And yes, early Dvorak should be played more often. As a New Yorker I am appalled that the NY Phil. hardly touches that music - last I heard the 6th was over 10 years ago and guess who conducted - Andrew Davis.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

I've done a video on Ma Vlast already. In fact, there is an entire Smetana playlist. Have a look.

[@alanwitton5039]

Very informative! Thank you for uploading!

[@glennportnoy1305]

I just got a used copy of the Philips Rowicki cycle. Although I always enjoyed the Kertesz cycle, I missed something in the earlier symphonies, especially 1 and 2. Rowicki really showed me how wonderful and exciting they are. Dave, I also agree with you about Rowicki's account of No. 7. What really disappointed me about it was the final peroration. It sounds like it was just slapped on rather than emerging from the whole work. However (my now second favorite word after "Pop Pop") thanks for a great discussion and great recommendation for Rowicki.

[@lilydog1000]

I can never really understand why the Rowicki is out of print (or not available). As it is I have just sprung for the Suitner cycle, before it gets the chop. Like others here, I too love the 3rd and 4th symphonies, next to number 9 which is a miracle. I will look out for the creaking chair.

[@michelangelomulieri5134]

Fully agree with the whole analysis of the video!

[@prospervic]

Have to disagree with you on Symphony No. 2. It’s fecundity of ideas tends to work against it, especially when transitional passages are not easily distinguished from main motifs because Dvorak hadn’t yet learned to prune and allow his important ideas to stand out. This is a work best appreciated by Dvorak devotees. Symphony No. 4, on the other hand, is the true neglected masterpiece. It’s clear, cleaned and bold style is exciting and musically compelling, and will sound familiar to fans of the New World Symphony.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

What! Fecundity! Yes, I see the point, but I think that's only really true of the first movement.

[@prospervic]

@@DavesClassicalGuide Pretty much. (Though the slow movement is a bit on the dull side.) I agree that the Scherzo is the most interesting movement. It foreshadows Dvorák’s early symphonic poems.

[@MorganHayes_Composer.Pianist]

@@prospervic Not a defect by any means but the slow movement seems like a tribute to Wagner's 'Tannhauser' overture at times (no..4). Hints of Wagner in the first glorious, sweeping 1st Mvt of No.3 as well. Chung/VPO are really good here.

[@prospervic]

@@MorganHayes_Composer.Pianist Perhaps. But, if you really want to hear Tannhauser in Dvorák, check out the slow movement of Symphony No. 4. “Borrowing” would be putting it politely.

[@MorganHayes_Composer.Pianist]

@@prospervic yes, indeed ! Infact I meant the slow movement of 4 but wasn’t very clear.

[@Cesar_SM]

Kertesz remains my favorite cycle. The 8th there has no contenders, and the 4th movement reaches levels of overwhelming joy. On the other hand, the weakest one is the 9th IMO.

[@charlesedwards5302]

Fantastic video, David - this has got me immediately hooked on Dvorak's symphonies - especially those early ones. Loving Kubelik and just ordered the Suitner (faintly worried about the squeaky chair, though!) Do you know Karel Sejna's early Czech Phil performances of some of the symphonies? - No. 7 is amazing. The sound of this wonderful orchestra in its earlier days is something to marvel at, and their attack and energy is astonishing.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Sure I know Sejna. Great stuff!

[@charlesedwards5302]

@@DavesClassicalGuide Would that he had recorded a complete cycle...

[@RenMan522]

I think Dvorak's Symphony #1 ("The Bells Of Zlonice", isarvelous. I know it's less polished and mature, but it has many hints of the genius to come and has a down-to-earth nativeneness to it that makes me feel at home (even here in Glendale, WI!)!

[@Jand1smas]

I have loved the Dvořák symphonies all my life and Mr Hurwitz is so right about the snooty attitude of too many "experts" in his music. In this talk, the history of Dvořák and his symphonies is well explained and we learn properly how Brahms was as influenced by Dvořák as happened the other way round. The two were friends and their admiration and influence was mutual. I do disagree about the Bělohlávek cycle: it is one of the very best. Please listen again, Mr. Hurwitz! The best overall cycle is by Suitner.

[@Jand1smas]

And he is ab solutely right about the Anguelov set as well.

[@fred6904]

Hello Dave! I would like to ask you to consider to make a talk about Dvorak's symphonies no. 1,2,3,4 and 6 seperately. They are so beautiful, and need your promotion to get more listeners. Best wishes Fred

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Six is definite, and probably 3. The others are more difficult since there are few versions apart from complete sets.

[@jesus-of-cheeses]

Would love to hear your thoughts on the ongoing SWR Dvorák cycle (with Chichon and Inkinen). Even if they don’t end up completing it, they’ve covered 1-6.

[@cefnyrystrad]

Great video! I only really know the last 3 so this has encouraged me to explore the rest. I think I'll go with Suitner as it's very good value, and also manages not to split symphonies between CDs as some of the others do - is it just me or is anyone else irritated by this? Unless a symphony is more than 80 minutes long there really is no excuse for this.

[@camilmoujaber4813]

Mr. Hurwitz, you didn't mention the Belohlavek cycle of 2014 which includes the concertos also. What do you think of it?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Reviewed at ClassicsToday.com. In short, it's a bore.

[@apolloskyfacer5842]

I seem to have a different box set of the Istan Kertesz and the London Sym Orch. Analogue to Digital Remaster. Decca 430 046-2 And is by far my favourite set. However, my favourite Dvorak Seventh is the one I used to have an LP by the L'Orchestre de la Suissie with Ernest Anserment conduction.

[@albertbauli]

My favourite early symphony is the 4rth. I played it with the uni orchestra and was a great surprire, specially the ending coda where Dvorack blends all themes together BUT I am still looking for a performance that takes that ending slowlier and lets sing the marvelous violin’s melody sing with a bit more rubato.

[@UlfilasNZ]

I ended up selling the Anguelov recordings, I found the weaknesses of the orchestra too distracting after a while (whereas I don't find Kuchar's Janacek Philharmonic a problem in that way). Pesek was lucky to have two fine orchestras, and I do find his poetic approach wears well.

[@bobmcgowan7460]

Hi Dave ! Glad you chose Rowicki as your top one. I've always loved that one. I suppose you have the same low opinion of the Macal/Milwalkee as you have of the Valek(?)

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

No, actually. Macal is pretty good, just impossible to source and not so great that we need to worry about it.

[@chrisvershaw2792]

Dave, suggestion please listen to Dvorak's String "Quintets" and Piano Quartets and Quintets. They need your review video. I have them on NAXOS and they are really nice works......

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

I know them well. They are lovely.

[@luukmarcus]

There was a Dvorak cycle by Zdenek Kosler with the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra. The original label was maybe Opus. The cycle has been issued by Brilliant Classics, with the exception of the symphonies 8 and 9 (Menuhin did no.8 and Paavo Järvi no.9 in that cycle). suppose it is a minor cycle; comparable with Valek's?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

As you point out, it no longer exists complete, so who cares?

[@harrynak22]

I don't know all the complete cycles presented here but I did compare almost all and more for the 7th and 8th. In my opinion both have never been done better than Kubelik Berlin. All others I heard were just less exciting in the most important moments for me. I'm surprised that for these symphonies Kubelik is mentioned so little.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

His 8th is marvelous, but the 7th isn't as successful, and has never been that highly regarded.

[@harrynak22]

@@DavesClassicalGuide see I don't get it. I think his 7th has the most flow in it of all the versions i heard. Sound is not great but performance, wow. To me the most exciting part of the symphony is near the end of movement 1, in my score from about two pages after section M (no bar numbers unfortunately) and I never heard it more intense than the Kubelik. Oh well, guess it's just me then

[@rbmelk7083]

“... fat chance of that, suckas!” God, that was funny:)

[@hmh6117]

Hello David ! I am always a bit puzzled when I hear you talking about recordings as "performances" ... very often recordings are manipulated, cut and paste, over-tuned and polished (=> KARAJAN). For me performances are "live" concerts, with the public giving a supplementary thrill to the artists. And by the way, all famed concert halls sound better with public in it. Maybe one day you make a talk about "live" and "studio"?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

No, they are all performances. Your distinction is artificial and personal and honestly, although valid for you, I don't see it.

[@albertbauli]

My favourites are Kersctez and Rowici, still undecided. I will get both xD

[@kylejohnson8877]

Thanks for playing the scherzo of the 2nd Symphony in your video - it is glorious! Even though Dvorak is perhaps my very favorite composer, I must admit I’ve never gotten around to listening to the whole work - I got turned off by the first movement which I found rather meandering, but maybe that’s cause I was listening to Belohlavek’s recording! I will definitely make it a point to listen to the whole work now.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

I hope you enjoy it in a more dynamic performance. That first movement does meander a bit--I think deliberately so--but there's a difference between relaxed and dead!

[@deanjonasson6776]

You sold me on the Suitner box and when it came on sale, I got it. Of course, it's wonderful. Thanks, David!

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Sure thing!

[@ultradmann2367]

Damnit I JUST finished up doing a Dvorak symphony cycle last month and I wish this had came out a before then for a point of reference but I went with Jarvi/NSO which served me quite well. I've always been familiar with only 8 and 9 and not the others. 1st symphony is pretty bad imo, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th are okay and kinda sorta forgettable except for the scherzo-ish movements. Now the 5th, I'm completely obsessed over now and is easily one of my favorites along 8 and 9, 6 was pretty good, 7 I feel like I'll like on more listens and understand where it's going. The cycles definitely helped me get a grasp as to the evolution of Dvorak's style and it definitely grew more dense with each subsequent symphony.

[@michaelirons1609]

Hey Dave, the singing is why I follow these! 🤩😉

[@markzacek237]

Did I miss a comment about the Valek cycle? Not my favorite cycle, but worthy of a mention, I think.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

No, it's not worthy of anything. It's just bad and is irrelevant to the discussion. No need to mention something just because it exists if it's lousy. However, if you're interested: www.classicstoday.com/review/review-10905/?search=1

[@markzacek237]

And Gramophone weighs in ... "Now here's a Dvorák bargain box to challenge the long-established leader..." {Not that I'm likely to take Gramophone's side over yours, Dave!)

[@artistinbeziers7916]

@@markzacek237 I agree. Gramophone reviews are bizarre.

[@heybrook819]

Suitner is truly an underrated conductor.

[@emileswanepoel3553]

Great video! I read somewhere that the Kertesz set has not aged well because of the inaccuracies/mistakes by the orchestra that Kertesz did not want to fix. Any truth to that?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Name three. No truth to it at all.

[@alfredolabbe]

@@DavesClassicalGuide Dear David: Sorry, but there is clearly a mistake (a trumpet -trumpets?- out of sync) at 11:56-58 in the Finale of Kertesz's Fifth. Greetings from Santiago. It is not crucial of course...

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

@@alfredolabbe No, it isn't.

[@rmd1477]

I bought the brilliant classics box and I thought the sound quality was a bit poor. Im no professional, but I expected a more crisp sound.

[@frankgyure3154]

Has there been any improvement in Czech scholarship(or beyond) since the fall of community and/or Czechoslovia split?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

I don't see why it would matter. It's not that the scholarship is "bad." That would be an unfair and inaccurate generalization. It's a question of attitude and perspective, and much of it isn't done by Czech nationals anyway (plenty of Dvorak scholars are British and American) so the political situation there isn't relevant .

[@frankgyure3154]

Considering the present state of the classical music(covered in one of your latest videos) IMHO I would think are slim chances of any new complete cycles of Dvorak’s symphonies to be recorded any time soon(unless some very deep-pocketed supporter comes forward).

[@jeshpost5216]

I have the Brilliant Classics Album.

[@carlosshosta9040]

Would have loved to have a Mackerras cycle.

[@Peter-wd1yo]

Sadly the Rowicki has just gone out of print. I was going to get it this year only to find Amazon prices had skyrocketed. Presto have it online only. The only way I'm aware of getting it now would be 2nd hand. Great shame

[@Danzig987]

Get it if you can find it ...

[@zaoria123]

Indeed! It's the very best set!

[@UlfilasNZ]

Have a look on HMV Japan

[@zaoria123]

There's a new copy on discogs for a reasonable price.

[@nirgoldenberg5624]

It's the same as with schubert, isn't it? Everyone dismisses his symphonies before the two last.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Maybe the first couple. No. 5 is quite popular, for example.

[@Danzig987]

The early Schubert symphonies (Nos. 1-4) are a joy. I much prefer listening to them over #9 and particularly #8.

[@estel5335]

The fourth is magnificent :)

[@archplusultra4414]

great

[@woodewoode]

I hear Elgar in the excerpt from the Second! So the English man listened to more than Brahms.

[@TheCastlepoet]

You're right--even though it's highly unlikely, if not impossible, that Elgar ever heard this symphony. By the same token, I hear a bit of the Elgar/Payne Third Symphony in the first movement of the Dvorak First Symphony, which is even more impossible!

[@nicholasjschlosser1724]

Elgar actually played violin in a performance of Dvorak's 6th Symphony--under the composer's baton. He definitely knew and admired Dvorak's music

[@ephonepi]

The auto generated subs transcribed "supraphon" as "super fun"

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

And so it is.

[@jean-lucbernhardt8545]

Sony/Andrew Davis, Decca/Bielholavec, Naxos/Godzenhauser, Chandos/Järvi 👎, Supraphon/Neuman DDD vitreux couplages coupées, Erato/Pesek ennuyeux et chèque perfectible, OEHMS/Anguelov manque reprises, Brilliant/Suitner Scherzo de la 4°, Decca/Kertesz couplages coupées, DGG/Kubelik couplages coupées existe en 2 cd 6 à 9, Decca/Rowicki couplages coupée, mon choix : Supraphon/Neumann AAD 👍