COMPOSERS: Dvorak/Myslivecek
LABELS: EMI
WORKS: Serenade in D minor, Op. 44; Octet No. 1; Octet No. 2; Octet No. 3
PERFORMER: Sabine Meyer Wind Ensemble
CATALOGUE NO: CDC 5 55512 2 DDD
This clever combination of Bohemia’s most famous Romantic composer with one of the finest representatives of Czech classicism is entirely appropriate. In education and aspiration Dvorák had much in common with Myslivecek and his D minor Serenade is perhaps his most explicit tribute to his 18th-century heritage. The Dvorák here is alert and on balance very likeable. I would have preferred the clarinets and horns to emerge as strongly as the oboes, although the latter play beautifully. The ensemble’s approach in the three Myslivecek octets is less pungently characterised, particularly in the first movements; in the more highly coloured slow movements and finales, the players seem happier to revel in this composer’s engaging sound-world. Jan Smaczny
Dvorak/Myslivecek
This clever combination of Bohemia’s most famous Romantic composer with one of the finest representatives of Czech classicism is entirely appropriate. In education and aspiration Dvorák had much in common with Myslivecek and his D minor Serenade is perhaps his most explicit tribute to his 18th-century heritage. The Dvorák here is alert and on balance very likeable. I would have preferred the clarinets and horns to emerge as strongly as the oboes, although the latter play beautifully.
Our rating
3
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:07 pm