Dvořák's Symphony No. 8 has a particularly Czech
character, while at the same time possessing that full symphonic
mastery that the composer derived from his hero Brahms. The
music characterises Dvořák's unique personality
more completely than any of his other symphonies. This is particularly
because of the nature of the themes. It is after all a gloriously
tuneful work, something which is felt from the very first bar.
This is Claus Peter Flor’s second recording of the symphony.
He first recorded it more than twenty years ago, with the Royal
Philharmonic Orchestra in 1989 (RCA 60234-2-RC), an issue which
conveyed his love and understanding of the score readily enough.
In that sense nothing has changed since. This new performance
from Flor’s present orchestra is both idiomatic and dramatic,
as befits the music.
The relationship between BIS and this relatively new orchestra
(founded in 1997) has been a valuable one, as shown for example
by the splendid recording of Rimsky-Korsakov Suites with the
previous principal conductor, Kees Bakels (BIS-CD-1577: review).
Flor benefits too from the excellent recorded sound, captured
with utmost subtlety in the state-of-the-art Petronas Hall at
Kuala Lumpur. The orchestral playing is absolutely first class,
of a standard to match famous ensembles from Europe or America.
As far as the performances are concerned, the feeling given
is that the conductor puts a higher priority on symphonic rigour
in Symphony No. 8 than upon Czech national character. Nothing
wrong with that as an approach since the music can be played
either way, but there is more warmth to be found than this performance
conveys. There is drama aplenty, however, and the galvanizing
fanfares of the finale set in motion a very powerful account
of the finale that still finds time to enjoy the idyllic variations
of the second half, before sweeping through to the conclusion.
The couplings are imaginatively chosen. Dvořák's
Scherzo Capriccioso and his symphonic poems are less
celebrated than they might be. Like Chandos in their excellent
Dvořák recordings with the Royal Scottish National
Orchestra (symphonies CHAN9991, symphonic poems: CHAN241-3),
BIS have opted to extend the repertoire beyond the symphonic
mainstream. In the narrative-style symphonic poem Zlaty Kolovrat
(The Golden Spinning Wheel), the performance is fresh
and direct, even if slightly wanting in atmosphere. The ebullient
Scherzo Capriccioso shows off the virtuosity of the Malaysian
orchestra to splendid effect. If this new issue is by no means
a first choice in this repertoire, the music does sound well
and the performances are striking and well worth hearing.
Terry Barfoot
Masterwork Index: Dvořák
Symphony 8
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Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra/Claus Peter Flor 
BIS-SACD-1976 [79:28] 