Dvorak: Symphonies Nos. 4 and 8

"The orchestra is the Slovak Philharmonic, who really have this music in their blood, conducted in lively and idiomatic fashion by Stephen Gunzenhauser who has a most engaging way with Dvorák's music."
- The Guardian - 2 August 90

"All these Slovak performances of Dvorak have more Zest than those recorded for various labels in recent years by the most celebrated of the country's orchestras, the Czech Philharmonic. ... In quality of sound as well as performance, all these discs rival full-price issues."
- PENGUIN GUIDE - 1990

Gunzenhauser's Fourth is very convincing. In his hands the fine lyrical theme of the first movement certainly blossoms and the relative lack of weight in the orchestral textures brings distinct benefit in the Scherzo, where the outer sections are rhythmically buoyant and the forceful centrepiece has an infectious vigour without crudeness. The slow movement, too, is lyrical without too much Wagnerian emphasis and the rhythmically repetitive finale avoids heaviness. The naturally sympathetic orchestral playing helps to make the Eighth a refreshing experience. The digital sound is excellent, vivid and full, with a natural concert-hall ambience.
- GRAMOPHONE - June 1990
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