Dvořák: Symphonies Nos. 7-9; Nature, Life and Love. Semyon Bychkov, conductor; Czech Philharmonic. Pentatone PTC5187216.
I put off listening to this for a while because I just couldn't bear the thought of MORE late Dvořák symphony performances that are blah. The available reviews/impressions I was sampling weren't reassuring. But while I can't see that this recording adds anything world-altering to the catalogue, I don't think it's as bad as some would have us believe. That doesn't mean it's particularly good. While I'd only call only two of the symphony movements' performances "poor" (I'm referring to the opening movement of 7 and the scherzo of 8, which are especially leaden), there is a general lack of sonic brightness. The strings in particular come off pasty. This isn't helped by a sound quality that makes it seem like there was a thin window erected between the recording equipment and the playing musicians.
I think the basic problem here is that Bychkov doesn't have a strong vision for these works. He's just conducting and recording them with his Czech Philharmonic Orchestra because that's what he's expected to do. In a way this is better than someone like Fabio Luisi taking the reins of the Danish National Symphony Orchestra and conducting the Nielsen symphonies as if they're by Mahler or Bruckner. Nothing comparably irritating happens here. But with so many excellent options available I just can't imagine that most people would need these Nos. 7-9. They're serviceable overall but nothing more. I wish Bychkov and Co. had recorded Symphonies Nos. 1-6 instead. At least there the competition isn't so fierce, and we'd have another option for works that deserve more exposure.
Speaking of which, the best reason to buy this recording are the three Nature, Life and Love overtures included. These sparkle in a way the symphonies don't. But that's just under 40 minutes of music next to nearly two hours of second-rate symphonic performances. Is all of this worth the time and money? I guess it depends on how much of a Dvořák collector you are.
Verdict: Indifferent
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