On two occasions during his tenure as chief conductor of the Czech Philharmonic (1968-1990) Václav Neumann undertook a major, and beautiful, task – to make...

On two occasions during his tenure as chief conductor of the Czech Philharmonic (1968-1990) Václav Neumann undertook a major, and beautiful, task – to make a studio recording of one of the best-known and most wonderful symphonies of all time, Antonín Dvorák’s “From the New World”. The first recording was made in early 1972, with the orchestra possessing technical brilliance following Karel Ancerl’s era, yet craving intensive emotionality and romantic flight – which they were duly afforded by their new charismatic chief conductor. The sheer magic of the recording is further enhanced by its analogue format, the technique that at the time enjoyed its apex, splendidly mastered by the recording team at the Dvorák Hall of the Rudolfinum in Prague. Supraphon has now returned to the legendary recording, while having made use of state-of-the art technologies. The legendary recording deserves the utmost care – and a keen listener.