Janácek Philharmonic Orchestra, Theodore Kuchar - Dvorak: Symphonic Poems & Overtures (2005)

While Theodore Kuchar has made impressive, even terrific recordings in the past, this set of Dvorák's Symphonic Poems and Overtures is neither terrific nor impressive. Indeed, it is rather tedious. The passionate brilliance of his Prokofiev and Lyatoshyns'ky recordings with the National Symphony Orchestra of the Ukraine is nowhere present in these Dvorák recordings with the Janácek Philharmonic Orchestra. Kuchar seems to lack the strong feelings for the great nineteenth century Czech composer that he clearly has for the great twentieth century Russian and Ukrainian. The Czech lilt of the rhythms, the Bohemian inflections of the melodies, the Romantic colors of the harmonies are all wanting in his interpretation and, more surprisingly, in the Janácek Philharmonic's performances. While it is certainly plausible that the players might not be familiar with all the works on these discs -- even in his Czech homeland, Dvorák's late tone poems are still relatively recherché repertoire -- it seems less likely that they would be unfamiliar with the lilt, the inflections, and the colors of his music. Nevertheless, these performances seem oddly hesitant and strangely awkward. Listeners looking for great recordings of Dvorák's Symphonic Poems and Overtures are advised to try either the Kertez or the Kubelík performances. Listeners looking for great Kuchar recordings are advised to try his Prokofiev or Lyatoshyns'ky. These recordings are, unfortunately, not worth hearing. Brilliant's sound is a bit recessed and a little boomy.