Available in the UK from 12th June:
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiODc4NDk4NC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE1ODg4NTc1NjR9)
https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8784984--fibich-symphony-no-3 (https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8784984--fibich-symphony-no-3)
Even though i welcome the recordings of Fibich's work, i have been disappointed in substandard performances by orchestra/conductor. Its a shame because i think Naxos sound has been top drawer. I am not going to dismiss this issue containing the 3rd Symphony as i have not sampled it yet. I will say though, its going to be a mighty performance to better Karel Šejna, Czech Philharmonic 1960's recording on Supraphon. I have to find a version with the same intensity and feeling for the piece.
This CD features a different orchestra, though.
Quote from: Alan Howe on Friday 08 May 2020, 23:17
This CD features a different orchestra, though.
Any ideas why the orchestra has been changed? I have heard of lots of inconsistencies with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra. I know the conductor is well thought of and touted as a rising star.
No idea. The orchestra on the first four releases wasn't universally liked by the critics, although MusicWeb applauded them. Anyway, all that matters is quality.
As much as I love Fibich(he's my favourite unsung composer) I'm afraid I won't be getting this. I'm quite happy with the Chandos recordings. Also, I have all the fillers - nothing new for me to sink my teeth in.
Same here, Kevin.
I couldn't resist, not when it comes to Fibich. Speaking of just the Symphony(I haven't listened to the other items)the playing of The Janacek Philharmonic is impressive and Stilec brings out tiny details in the orchestration I wasn't aware of before and paces the whole thing quite well. Recorded sound is very vivid. I think my preliminary verdict is it's a winner. I've just got to say what an awesome symphony this is.
Thanks for that, Kevin. I've been listening to and enjoying Fibich's operas lately but not the symphonies. Would this disc be a good starting point? How does it compare with other performances?
This is an excellent performance of the 3rd Symphony, you can't wrong with it. But I would still strongly recommended the Jaarvi recordings(Chandos) for all three symphonies. I've found Stilec's symphonic poems to uniformly good as well:
https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/7922825--fibich-complete-symphonies
https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8042347--zden-k-fibich-orchestral-works-vol-3
It would be gr8 to hear how others rate the various conductors/orchestras doing Fibich. Not that his orchestral music should present much of a difficulty to perform or throws up significant scope for interpretation. But discussing the relative merits of the various renditions would help fill in some of the huge conversation on Fibich that a few of us dare think still needs to take place on this site.
This is something else! The contrast between the first four volumes and this is remarkable. The performance is spot on, vivid, detailed and plenty of Czech spirit. Looks like Naxos have the recording balance just right as well. This knocks the spots off all previous digital recordings. I truly recommend
Better than Albrecht? If so, in what way?
Quote from: Alan Howe on Monday 15 June 2020, 20:57
Better than Albrecht? If so, in what way?
Yes, the detail in the recording is considerable greater. The dynamics, acoustics of the recording are also considerably greater. The performance seems cleaner and more polished. The performance grips you from beginning to the end. Only Sejna (1960) beats it for me for performance, but only just.
Sarka Overture and the fill ups are of same quality as well.
I would even stretch and say absolutely MARVELLOUS
Sounds really great. I'll include it in my next order - thanks for your assessment.
I do not think you will be disappointed. I will be interested in what the professional reviewers think of it.
Judging by the sound bites, the symphony is certainly superior to my old Suraphon recording (Brno State Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Jiri Belohlavek), so I shall definitely get this new recording. What a fine symphony it is too!
Same here, Kevin. However, I may start comparing it to my Chandos copies to see how they compare. I did buy a subscription to the Naxos Library last year.
Mr Raff has it spot on. This will be my new reference recording for the 3rd symphony, it's that great. There's a huge gulf between the Janacek phil and Czech national symphony in quality, it's night and day. Such a shame the other four volumes didn't have the Janacek phil.
It seems significant that Vassily Sinaisky has been appointed chief conductor of the JPO - quite a coup!
From the Naxos newsletter referring to the new CD of the 3rd symphony:
Marek Štilec concludes Zdeněk Fibich's complete orchestral works.
Sorry, I don't understand the reference here...
The point I was making was that the orchestra must be 'on the rise' if a leading conductor such as Sinaisky has been appointed chief conductor.
If I remember correctly eight volumes were originally planned by Naxos.
Oh, I see.
Hurwitz approves: https://www.classicstoday.com/review/first-class-fibich-cycle-on-naxos-concludes/
I was not disappointed in the least in the recording. It is a fine symphony they handled quite well especially the third movement