The Cleveland Orchestra, Christoph von Dohnányi - Dvorák: Symphony No. 6 / Janácek: Taras Bulba (1991)

Christoph von Dohnányi’s lean and athletic Dvorák Symphony No. 6 is at the opposite pole from the warm, romantic style typified by Karel Ancerl (type Q6828 in Search Reviews). However, both approaches are valid, as Dvorák’s great symphony is at once a heartfelt work with strong classical underpinnings. The combination of Dohnányi’s energetic direction and the Cleveland Orchestra’s exactingly precise playing makes for a crisp and vibrant rendition, highlighted by the sharp-pointed timpani (well captured by Decca’s engineers).

The slow movement benefits most from this, as the long-spun melody floats easily along, sounding more like a light-hearted song than a tender lullaby. The faster movements fairly burst with energy, especially the Finale, even if Dohnányi doesn’t match Ancerl’s rapturous joy in the closing bars. The 1991 recording has less clarity and dynamic impact than the other Dvorák Symphonies (Nos. 7-9) Decca taped in Cleveland, though it’s still quite enjoyable.

Dohnányi’s no-nonsense approach pays less dividends in Janácek’s Taras Bulba, which here sounds cold and clipped, as if the conductor had little patience for the music’s timbral shades and rhythmic nuances. Better, more idiomatic performances have been recorded by Mackerras (Vienna and Czech Philharmonic) and Neumann (Czech Philharmonic). So the main draw of this release is the Dvorák, and just hearing the Sixth played like this is worth the price of the disc. Happily it’s available again through ArkivMusic’s on-demand service.