Czech Philharmonic & Jiri Belohlavek - Dvorák: Slavonic Dances Opp. 46 & 72 (2016)

Maestro Belohlavek and the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra return to Decca with the unforgettable Slavonic Dances from one of the most melodious, harmonious and evocative late 19th Century composers - Dvorak.

Deccas acclaimed 2014 Complete Dvorak Concertos and Symphonies release was named as one of the Top Recordings of 2014 by the New York Times: …the set as a whole stands as eloquent testimony to this eminent orchestras triumphant return to international prominence… James R. Oestreich, New York Times.

Performed and recorded by musicians who have an innate understanding and deep-rooted love for this music of their homeland, this is a first-rate recording, bringing great passion and lyricism to Dvoraks spellbinding Slavonic Dances.

There is no more authentic team today to play these works: the leading Czech orchestra with the leading Czech conductor, recording in the fine acoustic of the famous Rudolfinum in Prague.

In two sets, the Op.46 Slavonic Dances were such a success on release (in the late 1800s) that Dvoraks publisher immediately commissioned a further set (to become the Op.72) which inspired an equally enthusiastic reception.

Lively and colorful, both sets feature a variety of traditional forms of dance; Dvorak expertly working with the leaping gallop, polka odzemek and skocna, contrasted alongside luscious mazurkas and sousedsky.

Tracklist:
01. Dvorák: 8 Slavonic Dances, Op.46, B.83 - No.1 in C (Presto)
02. Dvorák: 8 Slavonic Dances, Op.46, B.83 - No.2 in E Minor (Allegretto scherzando)
03. Dvorák: 8 Slavonic Dances, Op.46, B.83 - No.3 in A Flat Major (Poco allegro)
04. Dvorák: 8 Slavonic Dances, Op.46, B.83 - No.4 in F Major (Tempo di minuetto)
05. Dvorák: 8 Slavonic Dances, Op.46, B.83 - No.5 in A Major (Allegro vivace)
06. Dvorák: 8 Slavonic Dances, Op.46, B.83 - No.6 in D Major (Allegretto scherzando)
07. Dvorák: 8 Slavonic Dances, Op.46, B.83 - No.7 in C Minor (Allegro assai)
08. Dvorák: 8 Slavonic Dances, Op.46, B.83 - No.8 in G Minor (Presto)
09. Dvorák: 8 Slavonic Dances, Op.72, B.147 - No.1 in B Major (Molto vivace)
10. Dvorák: 8 Slavonic Dances, Op.72, B.147 - No.2 in E Minor (Allegretto grazioso)
11. Dvorák: 8 Slavonic Dances, Op.72, B.147 - No.3 in F Major (Allegro)
12. Dvorák: 8 Slavonic Dances, Op.72, B.147 - No.4 in D Flat Major (Allegretto grazioso)
13. Dvorák: 8 Slavonic Dances, Op.72, B.147 - No.5 in B Flat Minor (Poco adagio)
14. Dvorák: 8 Slavonic Dances, Op.72, B.147 - No.6 in B Flat Major (Moderato, quasi minuetto)
15. Dvorák: 8 Slavonic Dances, Op.72, B.147 - No.7 in C Major (Allegro vivace)
16. Dvorák: 8 Slavonic Dances, Op.72, B.147 - No.8 in A Flat Major (Lento grazioso, ma non troppo, quasi tempo di valse)