Dvořák: Slavonic Dances, Op. 46 & 72

Dvořák’s 16 Slavonic Dances were breakthrough pieces for the Czech composer, establishing his reputation for rhythmic élan and infectiously tuneful writing. Those qualities are strongly highlighted in Finnish conductor Leif Segerstam’s 1988 recording with the Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz. The opening Dance has just the right combination of fevered excitability and precision execution, with attractively sculpted cello playing in its central section. Dance No. 5 is charmingly balletic, while Segerstam catches vividly No. 7’s mercurial sense of whimsy. The second set of eight Dances is equally successful, a dashing, quicksilver account of No. 7 catching the ear particularly. There are many recordings of the Slavonic Dances available, but none more sharply flavourful than this one.