Over 60 years on, these Hallé recordings of the composer’s late symphonies pack a punch
ARCHIVE CHOICE
Dvořák
Symphony No. 7 in D minor; Symphony No. 8 in G major; Symphony No. 9 in E minor ‘From the New World’; Scherzo Capriccioso; Legends Nos 6 & 7
Hallé Orchestra/John Barbirolli Urania WS121112 133:54 mins (2 discs)
Originally issued on Pye Records, these classic versions of Dvořák’s last three symphonies, recorded in Manchester’s Free Trade Hall well over 60 years ago, have really stood the test of time. The performances have a freshness, spontaneity and high level of adrenalin that is quite insatiable. Admittedly, the playing of the Hallé Orchestra may not be as manicured as that of its Central European rivals, and on this particular transfer, some of the more full-blooded orchestral climaxes can sound a bit shrill. But these are minor quibbles when set against the sheer energy and dynamism of Barbirolli’s interpretations which offer many thrilling moments, not least the sudden but incredibly exciting accelerando at the end of the first movement of the Seventh. There are marvellous insightful passages too in Barbirolli’s genial and bucolic approach to the Eighth Symphony, and tremendous forward momentum in the outer movements of the ‘New World’ Symphony. A gloriously affectionate performance of the lesser-known Scherzo Capriccioso makes this an even more enticing release. ★★★★★
December round-up
Whereas Barbirolli’s Dvořák performances have been widely available for several years, the 1996 recording of the Elgar Cello Concerto, by Canadian-Israeli cellist Ofra Harnoy and the LPO, has only just surfaced. Whatever reasons prompted the delay, Harnoy’s performance, steering a judicious middle-course between the emotionally intense Jacqueline Du Pré and the more measured André Navarra, is undoubtedly expressive and technically immaculate, if perhaps lacking a certain degree of charisma. On the other hand, Harnoy works hard to make something of the Lalo Cello Concerto, but I find it difficult to warm to such portentous and vapid music. (Sony 19658824342) ★★★ Swiss clarinettist Eduard Brunner delivers an electrifying performance of Copland’s Clarinet Concerto, bringing all the requisite bitter-sweet lyricism to its opening movement and relishing the highly-charged virtuosity of the incredibly taxing cadenza and jazzy finale. The Bavarian Radio Symphony are superbly responsive partners, and the earl
