Search - Bizet, Weber, Suitner :: Symphony in C / Symphony 1

Joyous, bright, full of vigor

Larry VanDeSande | Mason, Michigan United States | 01/07/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Otmar Suitner is not a conductor confused with a Bernstein, Karajan, Walter or Furtwangler. However, a growing selection of recorded music in the mainstream Viennese repertoire and Dvorak is giving people a better look at all the skills of this conductor. This CD exemplifies many of his finer traits, in my estimation.



He does a wonderful job with these two bright, joyous symphonies and anyone looking for this combination will not regret adding this disc to their collection. Suitner's notes indicate he made this recording becuase it represented the peak orchestral output from two composers more famous for their operas. Perhaps ironically, Suitner is joined here by the orchestra of the Berlin State Opera.



Suitner prefers speeds on the fast side and seems to do best with music that soars with good spirits and headiness. I particularly enjoy his take on the Weber symphony, which is the best recording I know of this piece. I also own his out of print CD of the Dvorak Symphonies 6 and 7 and he is equally good there, especially on the brighter Symphony 6.



However, in light of his growing diskography, you can have all the Dvorak symphonies conducted by Suitner for about $15. That's a great deal but doesn't diminish his wonderful work here. Check this one out if the two symphonies interest you."