These are classic recordings of the Czech postwar period, made in 1951 (the Symphony No. 8 in G major, Op. 88) and 1954 (the Symphony No. 9 in E minor, "From the New World," Op. 95), and beautifully remastered by the Czech Republic's Supraphon label with the sort of care that is expended when people feel like they're dealing with part of the national patrimony. Both probing and lively, they're as good as any of the hundreds of recordings of these two perennials ever made. The booklet paints a nice little picture of the hell ...
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These are classic recordings of the Czech postwar period, made in 1951 (the Symphony No. 8 in G major, Op. 88) and 1954 (the Symphony No. 9 in E minor, "From the New World," Op. 95), and beautifully remastered by the Czech Republic's Supraphon label with the sort of care that is expended when people feel like they're dealing with part of the national patrimony. Both probing and lively, they're as good as any of the hundreds of recordings of these two perennials ever made. The booklet paints a nice little picture of the hell Talich put his musicians through as he worked out these fresh interpretations, and something of his ability to think on his feet comes through in the finished performances. With a palette that ranges from Nutcracker-like delicacy to folk rhythms that sound as rough as they should, Talich brings constant surprises to works that most classical listeners know, and Czechs of the 1950s knew by heart. Consider the reading of the last movement of this Symphony No. 8, which may well be...
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