- Audio Codec: PCM 2.0 (96kHzkHz/24-bit), DTS-HD Master Audio (96kHz/24-bit)
- Subtitles: None
- Region: ABC (Region-Free)
- Rating: Not Rated
- Discs: 1
- Studio: Naxos
- Blu-ray Release Date: January 25, 2011
- List Price: $19.95
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Overall
[Rating:4/5]
The Performance
[Rating:4/5]
Audio Quality
[Rating:4/5]
Supplemental Materials
[Rating:0/5]
The Performance
[Rating:4/5]
Marin Alsop, the principal conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, has chosen to take on the symphonic cycle of Antonin Dvorak, one of the premier orchestral composers of the 19th century. Given the current plethora of Dvorak recordings, this might be a risky undertaking. The two symphonies chosen here are among Dvorak’s last statements in this musical form. Both are well known and frequently recorded. Cutting to the chase, Dvorak devotees are not going to discard their treasured Szell, Kertesz, Davis and Toscanini CDs. However, in the new world order, high resolution surround sound recordings of these orchestral staples are still quite uncommon.
Symphony No. 7 has the usual assortment of Dvorak melodies and rhythmic excitement. Alsop catches the symphonic wave early in the turbulent first movement of this piece and moves her forces flawlessly to its concluding Allegro movement. Symphony No. 8 is a trickier piece of business since it keeps a number of cards under its sleeves until the last movement. This a true test of leadership from the conductor’s podium as there is the tendency to let the orchestra free fall near the ending. Fortunately, Alsop avoids this trap, and conveys a very effective if not the seat of the pants reading, which makes for an exhilarating experience.
Audio Quality
[Rating:4/5]
The soundtrack in DTS-HD Master Audio and has a somewhat distant perspective. In this case, it is more about overall sonic picture presentation than the highlighting of details. But this is what you will most likely hear in a good seat in a large orchestra hall. There is a pleasing naturalness in this recording’s acoustic which is probably a reflection of judicious miking and equalization. Again, if you listen to live music, it is all about the warmth, and this coupling of Dvorak’s later symphonies delivers in spades.
Supplemental Materials
[Rating:0/5]
There are no supplemental materials on this release.
The Definitive Word
Overall:
[Rating:4/5]
This disc presents two enjoyable Dvorak symphonic recordings in a realistic acoustic space. While not the last word in details or dynamics, it does an effective job of putting the listener in a large hall with an excellent symphony orchestra and world-class conductor. The Seventh Symphony could hold its own with previous recordings, while the Eighth lacks the frisson at the finale that gets the audience to jump to their collective feet in ovation. There is no current high resolution competition on Blu-ray.
[amazon-product]B004EL1ZKU[/amazon-product]
Shop for more Blu-ray titles at Amazon.com
Overall
[Rating:4/5]
The Performance
[Rating:4/5]
Audio Quality
[Rating:4/5]
Supplemental Materials
[Rating:0/5]
