I've received my inspiration for this post from Neal at Neal's Historical Classical Recordings Corner. Those of you that know his excellent blog have been privy to a wide range of very fine recordings coming from the former Czechoslovakia, releases originating on the Ultraphon and Supraphon labels. Neal has performed painstaking work resurrecting many gems from the 78's era, introducing many of us to nearly, or sometimes totally forgotten, artists.
Here we have Dvorak conducted by one fairly well known conductor, Vaclav Neumann and one, not so well known here in the "west," Zdenek Chalabala. First up, Chalabala conducting the glorious Czech Philharmonic in two magnificent tone poems, The Golden Spinning Wheel and The Wood Dove. These recordings date from near the end of Chalabala's life and they are quite vivid for c. 1960. Needless to say, Chalabala leads wholly idiomatic performances which capture the rustic nature of both works, where melodies intertwine with the harmonies in such a winning way. This is positively Dvorak at his inspired best and Chalabala's long, long association with Dvorak shines through. In fact, I'd say that Chalabala's theatrical experience from years with the National Theatre in Prague pays great dividends here. Wonderful stuff, released here on the Artia label.
Vaclav Neumann's take on the Symphony No. 8 is especially fine. Dating from the early 70's, this recording captures this maestro at his peak. At the time, I believe he was the director of both the Czech Philharmonic and the esteemed Gewandhaus Orchestra. I was able to locate a couple reviews from the period that were rather lukewarm towards this recording. I can not understand why. The playing is especially fine, the woodwinds have that tangy Czech sound and the brass that wonderful burnished Central European style. The rhythms are elastic enough and there is a fair amount excitement where that all needs to be. If not Kubelik or Mackerras at their very best, this is a very fine and strong interpretation of this most beautiful of scores. I certainly never tire of the great number 8 and I welcome Neumann as about as authentic as it gets. Compare this to Sawallisch's Philadelphia account and you will here two different works, the American rendition plodding, the Czech bouyant and refreshing. My transfer is from a Quintessence lp.
DOWNLOAD CHALABALA
DOWNLOAD NEUMANN
