I love this work and consider it my favourite Dvorak symphony. I've previously enjoyed versons by Sir Colin Davis (Philips) and Raphael Kubelic (DG).

However, I've just been given a disc as a present. It's on a label called Lodia that looks as if it’s Swiss but the disc is made in Japan.

I have to say it's a cracking version in glorious sound, anyone else heard of this?

Steve.

Dear Steve,

Not the performance, but the Seventh is my favourite from Dvorak, though I am almost as fond of the Sixth and Eighth.

Another rather rarely encountered great artist is Vaclav Talich who was Cheif conductor of the Czech Phil for about fifty years and I think died in 1954. Amazingly his Dvorak performances can still be found (not surprising when you hear the results of course!) mostly on Czech Supraphon, and sometimes in transfers from HMV originals.

The Seventh strikes me as something of a miraculous balance between the serious (especially the first movement) and something intensely optimistsic! I love it!

ATB from Fredrik

I know the Dvorak symphonies shockingly badly, but the 8th is probably my favourite. In particular, there is a set on classics for pleasure of 7-9 at bargain price with Mackerras and the LPO which is well worth checking out. He has also been rerecording them with the Czech Phil for Supraphon but I don't think he's done 7 (only 6, 8 and 9).

regards, Tam

I have this Dvorak 7th, as well as a Bruckner 8th, recorded on Lodia by Piata and some kind of pick up London orchestra, if I recall. They were recordings issued at the dawn of the digital age. I must say I haven't played them in years, and may go back and give them a listen. Haven't heard of the conductor, before or since these were issued. They were mostly well received by critics when they were issued, which is why I got them. I recall the sound being kind of thin, typical of early digital, but they may sound much better now that I have Naim equipment!!!

Steve--I dug out the Paita Devorak 7th and played it for the first time in years. You are absolutely right. It is a wonderful performance. Very intense, reminds me a little of Mravinsky's Tchiakovsky. And I am pleased to say the recording sounds wonderful on my Naim equipment. I'll give a listen to Paita's Bruckner 8th/Wagner Tristan Prelude and Liebestod next. Thanks for posting this on Paita. I googled him and I guess he is still quite active, mostly in Europe.

quote:

Steve--I dug out the Paita Devorak 7th and played it for the first time in years. You are absolutely right. It is a wonderful performance. Very intense, reminds me a little of Mravinsky's Tchiakovsky.

Glad you like it, I find sounds superb too.

Regards,

Steve.

quote:

Originally posted by Steve S1:
I love this work and consider it my favourite Dvorak symphony. I've previously enjoyed versons by Sir Colin Davis (Philips) ...
Steve.

Dear Steve

Is this the version with the Concertgebouw Orchestra?

I was thinking of getting this (Philips Duo coupled with 8 and 9) and would appreciate opinions.

Many thanks, Chris

Hi Chris,

Yes it is. Hope you enjoy it.

Steve.