Dvorak's Symphonies 1 - 6

[Bonn1770]

So I think the standard intro to Dvorak's symphonies is his 9th, and then the listener discovers the 7th and 8th, which are nearly as good. But what about his earlier symphonies?

I am also familiar with his 5th and 6th symphonies. Perhaps I haven't listened to the 5th enough, but only the final movement strikes me as especially memorable. The 6th on the other hand is a balanced work that's as good as the latter three.

What does everyone think of the man's neglected symphonies?

[Peter]

I confess to not being familiar with the first four. I have to say that I think no.8 is finer than the more popular 9th, but the 'cello concerto outstrips them all!

[gprengel]

4th symphony

I love the 7th and 4th symphony, both in d-minor

The first movement of the 4th has a beautiful 2nd theme and a great development section:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1YnZ...eature=related

and the 2nd movement is just glorious (especially starting at 1:48):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZhqX...eature=related

Enjoy!!

[Hofrat]

The scherzo of the 2nd symphony is absolutely fantastic! The codas of the 1st and 4th movements of the 6th symphony are amazing. I have all of Dvorak's symphonies with Rafael Kubilek conducting. One of my best buys.

[Sorrano]

I think I have the same set, Hofrat, and I agree that it is a wonderful set. They are all great symphonies and deserve multiple hearings.