Quite Magical Marin Alsop conducts Dvorák Symphonies - enjoyed by HOWARD SMITH 'The Baltimores' finale sings and blazes with equal compulsion ...'

Alsop and her Baltimore players (recording in 2008/09) more than hold their own on a timeline of stellar Dvorák recordings. With their direction these gorgeous symphonies are infused with pellucid, joyous, Bohemian inflexions, a felicitous attention to detail, plus sufficient drama and lyricism for the most discerning of listeners.

Alsop's pacing is quite magical, and the superb sound captured in Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall (Baltimore) reflects the work of producer Steve Epstein, adjunct professor of Classical Music Recording at McGill University (Montreal) and Grammy winning recording engineer Richard King (McGill).

All considered, these are sovereign performances which among modern alternatives emerge unrivalled.

However it's patently obvious the later symphonies of Antonin Dvorák are well represented on disc and among early recordings one may choose to hear them from great European orchestras and legendary conductors...

ANTONIN DVORAK

MARIN ALSOP

NAXOS

CZECH REPUBLIC

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA