Dvorak: Slavonic Rhapsodies (3), Op. 45

Karel Ancerl's recording of the Dvorak's scintillating Slavonic Dances here receive their first release on CD. Recorded in 1958 they were some of the most popular LP recordings in their day and now, nearly 47 years later, receive their first exhumation on CD. The coupling is a rarity but no less beautiful - Dvorak's three Slavonic Rhapsodies in wonderfully glowing performances by the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra under Kurt Masur. While the Third Rhapsody is often recorded, recordings of the set of three are a rarity and this is possibly the trio's most commendable recording.

Collectors and admirers of Dvořák’s music bearing the hallmark of the Czech performance tradition can now add another comprehensive album to put alongside the previous complete Supraphon CDs mapping his chamber (SU38152, SU39212), piano (SU40182) and symphonic works (SU40902). The acclaimed recording of the symphonies, conducted by Václav Neumann, is now followed by Supraphon’s 8-CD box set featuring Dvořák’s orchestral pieces and concertos. In addition to the celebrated Slavonic Dances, it contains a number of rarely recorded symphonic works (the Hussite Overture, My Home, A Hero’s Song), as well as splendid compositions for chamber and string orchestras. Besides recordings made under the baton of Neumann, it provides scope to other great Dvořák conductors – Mackerras, Bělohlávek and the rising star Jakub Hrůša. The set of orchestral works is rounded off by recordings of concertos, ranging from the virtually unknown Cello Concerto in A major, written by the young Dvořák, to the most frequently performed, the Cello Concerto in B minor. Supraphon has again carefully put together top-quality and time-honoured recordings of works performed by world-renowned soloists.

Dvořák was a composer steeped in the national and folk music of his Bohemian homeland, and his orchestral music combines a broad and soulful melodic sweep with the wit of sparkling orchestration. Naxos is proud to present the most comprehensive overview yet of his orchestral output, the complete symphonies complemented by three charismatic concertos and a wealth of folk- and narrative inspired orchestral works. A number of the shorter, less familiar works have been especially recorded for this anthology.