Alexandre Bak - Classical Music Reference Recording
Dvorak: Slavonic Dances Op. 46 & 72 by Karel Sejna (2024 Remastered, Prague 1959)
WAV Stéréo 24-Bit/96 kHz
16 audio files
1_1 Slavonic Dance in C Major, Op. 46, No. 1_ Furiant. Presto (2024 Remastered, Prague 1959)
1_2 Slavonic Dance in E minor, Op. 46, No. 2_ Dumka. Allegretto scherzando (2024 Remastered, Prague 1959)
1_3 Slavonic Dance in A-flat Major, Op. 46, No. 3_ Polka. Poco allegro (2024 Remastered, Prague 1959)
1_4 Slavonic Dance in F Major, Op. 46, No. 4_ Sousedska. Tempo di Minuetto (2024 Remastered, Prague 1959)
1_5 Slavonic Dance in A Major, Op. 46, No. 5_ Skocna. Allegro vivace (2024 Remastered, Prague 1959)
1_6 Slavonic Dance in D Major, Op. 46, No. 6_ Sousedska. Allegretto scherzando (2024 Remastered, Prague 1959)
1_7 Slavonic Dance in C minor, Op. 46, No. 7_ Skocnau. Allegro assai (2024 Remastered, Prague 1959)
1_8 Slavonic Dance in G minor, Op. 46, No. 8_ Furiant. Presto (2024 Remastered, Prague 1959)
2_1 Slavonic Dance in B Major, Op. 72, No. 1_ Odzemekb. Molto vivace (2024 Remastered, Prague 1959)
2_2 Slavonic Dance in E minor, Op. 72, No. 2_ Starodavny. Allegretto grazioso (2024 Remastered, Prague 1959)
2_3 Slavonic Dance in F Major, Op. 72, No. 3_ Skocna. Allegro (2024 Remastered, Prague 1959)
2_4 Slavonic Dance in D-flat Major, Op. 72, No. 4_ Dumka. Allegretto grazioso (2024 Remastered, Prague 1959)
2_5 Slavonic Dance in B-flat minor, Op. 72, No. 5_ Spacirka. Poco adagio (2024 Remastered, Prague 1959)
2_6 Slavonic Dance in B-flat Major, Op. 72, No. 6_ Starodavny. Moderato, quasi Minuetto (2024 Remastered, Prague 1959)
2_7 Slavonic Dance in C Major, Op. 72, No. 7_ Kolo. Allegro vivace (2024 Remastered, Prague 1959)
2_8 Slavonic Dance in A-flat Major, Op. 72, No. 8_ Sousedska. Grazioso e lento, ma non troppo, quasi tempo di Valse (2024 Remastered, Prague 1959)
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This performance of Dvorak's Slavonic Dances has been cited as THE reference recording of this piece in many critic's reviews, and I can see why. Stylistically, it perfectly captures the fact that these are DANCES... they should (and do, here) express vigorous joy and lightness mixed with stateliness when called for. The recording was made in a reverberant space (I do not know where in Prague), and the spaciousness helps here. The Czech Philharmonic's brass section really shines under Sejna, much more so than in other recordings with the same band but different conductors. The remastering of this 1959 original recording has been done with great care. My only quibble (a very small one) is that the volume is quite loud compared to other recordings. I am quite happy with my purchase.