Dvorak: Slavonic Dances Opp. 46 & 72
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