Today, the Philharmonia Orchestra has the greatest claim of any orchestra to be the UK’s National Orchestra. It is committed to presenting the same quality live music-making in venues throughout the country as it brings to London and the great concert halls of the world. In 2009 / 10 the Orchestra is performing more than 150 concerts, as well as presenting chamber performances by the Soloists of the Philharmonia Orchestra, and recording scores for films, CDs and computer games. Both recording and broadcasting continue to play a significant part in the activities of the Orchestra, notably through its partnership with Signum Records, which releases new live recordings of performances by the Philharmonia with its key conductors.
Sir Charles Mackerras is especially famous for his performances of Czech music, and here conducts two of the greatest and most popular symphonies in the repertoire: Dvo?ák’s Seventh is full or brooding romanticism, dramatic power and rich colour, whilst the Eighth is fresh and exhilarating in its exuberance of melody and invention. Mackerras is simply magnetic in this repertoire.
"...These recordings will present significant appeal both to experienced Dvrakians and to those less familiar with this magnificent music. Be sure not to miss out on this exceptional contribution to the catalogue." ***** William Norris
..."Mackerras is... authoritative in both symphonies. His approach in the Seventh might almost be described as operatic, with a clear focus on dramatic detail. There is a huge amount to enjoy here, particularly in the finale which is one of the most persuasive performances I’ve heard on record." ..."The Eighth Symphony serves even better, with an infectious reading of the first movement and depth in the Adagio; very well recorded, this handsome performance is one of the finest now available." Performance Symphony 7 **** Performance Symphony 8 ***** Recording ***** Jan Smaczny
“…Mackerras has a gift: he knows how to impart interpretive ideas without ever losing spontaneity that make both the music and his performances of it sound perennially fresh. …This is simply great conducting by a master musician and the Philharmonia Orchestra gives him exactly what he demands. The live sonics are good, and audience quiet, its enthusiastic applause at the end wholly justified. If you love Dvorak you can’t afford to miss this release.” Artistic Quality – 10 Sound Quality - 8
David Hurwitz
