Dvorak: Symphony No. 7; Symphony No. 8; Symphony No. 9; Cello Concerto

COMPOSERS: Dvorak
LABELS: EMI
WORKS: Symphony No. 7; Symphony No. 8; Symphony No. 9; Cello Concerto
PERFORMER: Natalia Gutman (cello) Philadelphia Orchestra/Wolfgang Sawallisch
CATALOGUE NO: CMS 7 64812 2 DDD (2 discs) (1990/88/91)

Sawallisch offers thoughtful and musicianly readings of Dvorák’s three most popular symphonies. The New World is particularly distinguished, with warm atmospheric playing in the Largo and an impressively taut finale. Yet these performances lack real urgency, thus undermining the dramatic impact of the Seventh, and the remastering still exposes deficiencies in instrumental clarity. Notwithstanding the generous inclusion of the Cello Concerto, Davis (on Philips) seems a far better proposition at mid-price. Erik Levi