ANTONIN DVORAK: Symphony 8 - 9, The Noonday Witch (Seiji Ozawa) [CD de audio] Seiji Ozawa, Wiener Philarmoniker, Dvorak and Seij

Antonin Dvorák (1841-1904) reputation as a symphonist finally established itself with the publication of his 5th and 6th symphonies, and the triumphant reception accorded to his greatest symphony the 7th. The 8th is a lighter, sunnier work and was an immediate success, especially in the UK where Dvorák enjoyed a good press and public adulation, and the work had for a short time of The English odd considering it is full of lively Czech and Bohemian dance rhythms. The 9th symphony is both an American and a Czech symphony. Dvorák commented that upon discovering Negro melodies I discover all that is necessary for a great and noble school of music . He was also at the time of the 9th s composition, staying at the small American town of Spillville (300 inhabitants), which had a large émigré Czech community. Although surrounded by people from his homeland, he longed to return home, and a nostalgic feeling permeates the score alongside the influences of Native American themes and Negro spiritu