Slavonic Dances - No. 1 In C Major, Op. 46: Preston
Slavonic Dances - No. 2 In E Minor, Op. 46: Allegretto scherzando
Slavonic Dances - No. 3 In A Flat Major, Op. 46: Poco allegro
Slavonic Dances - No. 4 In F Major, Op. 46: Tempo di Minuetto
Slavonic Dances - No. 5 In A Major, Op. 46: Allegro vivace
Slavonic Dances - No. 6 In D Major, Op. 46: Allegretto scherzando
Slavonic Dances - No. 7 In C Minor, Op. 46: Allegro assai
Slavonic Dances - No. 8 In G Minor, Op. 46: Presto
Slavonic Dances - No. 1 In B Major, Op. 72: Molto vivace
Slavonic Dances - No. 2 In E Minor, Op. 72: Allegretto grazioso
Slavonic Dances - No. 3 In F Major, Op. 72: Allegro
Slavonic Dances - No. 4 In D Flat Major, Op. 72: Allegretto grazioso
Slavonic Dances - No. 5 In B Flat Minor, Op. 72: Poco adagio
Slavonic Dances - No. 6 In B Flat Major, Op. 72: Moderato, quasi Minuetto
Slavonic Dances - No. 7 In C Major, Op. 72: Allegro vivace
Slavonic Dances - No. 8 In A Flat Major, Op. 72: Grazioso e lento, ma non troppo, quasi Tempo di valse
Dvorák's music is often a source of sheer warmhearted joy. Even the sadder moments in these gorgeous dances come with a hidden smile and a gracious sense that all is right with the world. The late Rafael Kubelik led... more » his German orchestra in a wonderful recording of these Dances, beautifully played with great affection and idiomatic rhythms (which the conductor must have taught the orchestra). As performances, these are comparable with the legendary 1950 set by Vaclav Talich and the Czech Philharmonic (Supraphon 11 1897-2). Unlike the Supraphon, though, Kubelik's recording is stereo, sounding better than ever in its new remastering and offered at mid-price. --Leslie Gerber« less
Dvorák's music is often a source of sheer warmhearted joy. Even the sadder moments in these gorgeous dances come with a hidden smile and a gracious sense that all is right with the world. The late Rafael Kubelik led his German orchestra in a wonderful recording of these Dances, beautifully played with great affection and idiomatic rhythms (which the conductor must have taught the orchestra). As performances, these are comparable with the legendary 1950 set by Vaclav Talich and the Czech Philharmonic (Supraphon 11 1897-2). Unlike the Supraphon, though, Kubelik's recording is stereo, sounding better than ever in its new remastering and offered at mid-price. --Leslie Gerber
CD Reviews
Warning, can be addictive!
R. Lane | Tracy, CA USA | 04/23/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Dvorak's Slavonic Dances are some of the most addictive music I've ever known.I jumped for joy when DG reissued Kubelik's 1975 recording of all 16 dances using the best digital remastering techniques. If I put this disk on, I can't pull myself away. Dvorak's dances are as easily enjoyed on first listening as any dance music by those more renowned for dances, like the Strauss family. But in the hands of Dvorak, the dance adds an element of depth and wonder that put them in a category all their own. Kubelik also recorded the 16 dances in 1955 for Decca with the Vienna Philharmonic. Decca has restored that recording to the catalog in their "Legends" series (Amazon asin # B00005N570).
The sound is not quite as good in the Decca, though for its age it will startle you how good it is (and it is in genuine stereo by the way). But the attractiveness of the Decca disk is the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Sorry Baravians, you do play very well, but the Vienna Philharmonic is in another class altogether, and Kubelik interprets with much more immagination and feeling in the Decca readings.But, I would not be without either one. Both recordings yield hours of joy every year."
Very excellent recording
J. Vich | Prague, Czech Republic, EUROPE | 07/25/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I spent many days choosing the best recording of (complete) Slavonic Dances. One thing I looked for was Czech interpretaton of the composition (i.e. no american orchestras), the other was, naturally, top muscial quality of whole performance. Lastly, only two recordings remained for me to choose from: Sir Charles Mackerras with Czech PO (Supraphon), and Rafael Kubelik with Bavarian RSO (DG). I think both of these recordings are great, whereas Kubelik's reading is close to dance aspect of the works, and posses swifter tempi, while Mackerras's recording is pointed to precious shift of every note to final musical result and delivers very fairily flowing performace with great sense for every detail.
If you would like to own, well lets say more "folk-like" intepretation of Dvorak's Slavonic Dances, choose Kubelik ; if you prefer more artistic, I can say probably "academic" reading of the works, Sir Mackerras is the right selection for you. And if sound quality of recording is imporant to you, be assured, that Supraphon recording is totally clear and superb, while DG - although remastered in this release - has just average sound quality with a bit of background noise."
Great Recording!
Suzanne B. Kelly | Palo Alto, CA USA | 05/13/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've always enjoyed Dvorak's Slavonic Dances, but this sprited rendition has made them a favorite with my children, as well. A very accessible, fun recording, for both those who know Dvorak and classical music well, and the neophyte."
Desert island CD
J. Vich | 11/05/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Rafael Kubelik earns himself a spot on my desert island with this one, simply because this disc features the most enjoyable classical music there is, played in the most beautiful way. I've listened to other recordings, such as Karajan's or Szell's, and they don't come anywhere near the quality of this set. This is the kind of album where there's not a single dull track, and as for the interpretation, I wouldn't change a thing if I could, which is rare. Even with my favourite recordings, there are moments when I wish the performer had played something just a tiny bit different here or there, but Kubelik plays this so well, I don't even have minor complaints. Six stars, at the very least!"
A bit hectic, but a showpiece recording even so
Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 09/21/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For a long time Kubelik's two versions of the Slavonic Dances, this one from Barvaria and an earlier one in mono from Vienna (on Decca, in dreadful, screechy sound) were signature recordings. They deserve to be, for even though old-timers nostalgically recalled the likes of Vaclav Talich, Kubelik was that great conductor's direct heir. I think David Hurwitz has it right: these are sizzling readings that never let up and rarely relax. They used to be hard to listen to at a stretch becuase of shrillness in the upper register, but now that's been softened quite a bit. For long-term listening I prefer the more thoughtful and varied approach of Harnoncourt in these ever-popular dances (Teldec), but Kubelik remains an old favorite."
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1