Dvorák's late symphonic poems on Erben's Czech 'folk' ballads are his most pungent orchestral compositions. Replete with macabre scenarios, in the manner of Grimm's fairy-tales,...

Dvorák's late symphonic poems on Erben's Czech 'folk' ballads are his most pungent orchestral compositions. Replete with macabre scenarios, in the manner of Grimm's fairy-tales, they tell stories with a sure instinct for primitive effect and scintillating orchestral detail. Järvi responds well to their febrile atmosphere, playing the melodies like songs – entirely appropriate since Dvorák used settings of Erben's verse as the basis for many of his themes. Just occasionally over-indulgent rubato compromises a clear sense of narrative and the neurotic world of The Hero's Song is rendered too literally, but these are mostly fine, perceptive performances. -- Jan Smaczny, BBC Music Magazine