Dvorak Symphony #6

For several years I've been hunting for a 1968 recording of the Dvorak Symphony #6 by the Boston Symphony under Erich Leinsdorf. It is on the RCA label, and is without question the finest recording/performance of this great symphony I've ever heard, and I've heard them all (including Kertesz, Kubelik, etc.). If anyone has a copy and/or knows how to obtain it, let me know.

Thanks,

Bruce M. Hyman

A coupla other possibilities

Have you heard Ancerl/CzPO? I don't know the Leinsdorf, but I would be very surprised if Ancerl took a back seat to it.

Paul Goldstein

The BSO/Leinsdorf is good. I rank it 4th. There is also a Rochester PO /Leinsdorf too on an ol Entré LP from Columbia. I agree completely with Paul. The Ancerl / CPO on Supraphon CD is at teh very top with this music. Second: The Neumann, Third: Kertesz /LSO

Pierre Paquin

You like Ancerl better than Sejna? (I haven't heard Leinsdorf either.)

I have the LP. It also includes some Slavonic Dances. I will relisten to it and compare with others. I don't recall how distinctive it was. I will report back.

Where would you put Rowicki? I would put him above the last two on your list.

Simon (who hasn't heard Leinsdorf)

I agree with Simon. Ancerl's is undoubtedly excellent, but Rowicki/LSO (on a Philips Duo with 4 and 5) is even zestier. I was surprised by my preference when I compared it directly to Ancerl's, which I thought couldn't be beat.

Paul, Purely as a matter of personal preference for that Czech lilt and phrasing plus slower tempi and clarity of detail, the Ancerl is my overall preference with this music. The CPO is simply unmatched, IMH?O. The Rowicki is very good too although I'd pick the Kertesz for better sound over the Rowicki with the same orchestra.

Pierre Paquin

P.S. 'Humility is the worse form of conceit.' (Voltaire0
www.sd-associates.com

Anyone heard Smetacek/Prague Symphony, on Praga? Comments?

Yes, I certainly do. Sejna is very fine, but less dramatic and of course less well recorded than Ancerl.

Paul Goldstein