Search - Antonin Dvorak, Charles Mackerras, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra :: Dvorák: Symphony No. 6; The Golden Spinning-Wheel

Stylish, balanced, warmly mellifluous performance of a wonde

Pater Ecstaticus | Norway | 04/09/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Dvorak's Sixth Symphony is a highly engaging, invigorating piece of music, replete with energy and drama. There are - I guess - many different ways to perform this music, but I do love Sir Charles Mackerras' 'balanced' style. I would like to repeat here what I have said in a review of Sir Charles Mackerras conducting Dvorak's Slavonic Dances(Dvorák: Slavonic Dances), because the same is true, I think, for this particular performance of Dvorak's Sixth, namely that the playing is polished and mellifluous, but clear, and with nice flowing legato. What I like very much is how Sir Charles Mackerras seems to find the ideal balance between all instrument groups, making the music sing in sweetly flowing harmony and with a sense of great clarity. But make no mistake, this is not just music making for the sake of orchestral beauty alone. There is, I think, more than enough zest and spirit to make you want to 'dance' along as well. The recording is live, but maybe not as excellent as some live recordings could be. The instruments have been recorded rather directly, which gives the impression, I think, of hearing the music from the vantage point of the conductor's rostrum. But the sound picture is well balanced and natural, so any criticism would to my idea amount to nitpicking ;-)

The Golden Spinning Wheel is - to my feeling and relative knowledge (I do not know the original tale) - a string of elegant, fairy tale-like dramatic episodes punctuated with gorgeous dance-tunes in the glowing style only Dvorak could compose them. A very beautiful 'filler' to make this recording a total of 70 minutes.

All highly recommended, especially if you love Sir Charles Mackerras' mellifluous, balanced style of conducting."