Dvorak: Symphonies 7 & 9 / Kubelik, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Rafael Kubelik recorded these great symphonies several times. Five of his 9ths and three of his 7ths are currently available, in addition to CDs by such great Dvorákians asAncerl,Kertész, andRowicki. But this reissue of early stereo 1956 recordings is so well-transferred to CD, Kubelik conducts with such understanding, and the Vienna Philharmonic plays with such ardor that, especially at midprice, the disc is a viable contender. Some may prefer hislater DG versionsfor plumbing deeper depths and more nuanced orchestral playing. But these have a lot going for them: the passion he brings to the first movement of the 7th and the perfectly judged cross-rhythms of the 3rd movement, the tender Largo of the 9th, and so much more.--Dan Davis