Antonín Leopold Dvořák (1841–1904) was a Czech composer and one of the most prominent figures of the Romantic era. Born on September 8, 1841, in the small village of Nelahozeves near Prague, he was the eldest son of a butcher and innkeeper. Though expected to join the family trade, Dvořák’s exceptional musical talent soon became apparent. He studied at the Prague Organ School where he trained in composition and performance.
Dvořák drew inspiration from the folk music of his native Bohemia, blending it with classical forms to create a distinctive style marked by lyrical melodies and rhythmic vitality. In 1892, Dvořák became the director of the National Conservatory of Music of America in New York City where he composed two of his greatest works: the Symphony “From the New World” and the Cello Concerto in B minor.
The symphony is dedicated to Hans von Bülow, in gratitude for the conductor’s systematic championing of Dvořák‘s orchestral works and was premiered in New York City on 16 December 1893. Originally published as Symphony No. 5 to give the impression of a new work it was actually Dvořák’s 9th symphony and in 1955 a new, comprehensive thematic catalog was published which accurately numbered Dvořák‘s symphonies according to their chronological order of composition and The New World Symphony’s number was changed from No. 5 to No. 9. However, it took time for this new numbering to become widely known and accepted.
István Kertész(1929–1973), born in Budapest, studied at the Franz Liszt Academy under Zoltán Kodály. After leaving Hungary in 1956, he rose to international prominence, admired for his interpretations of Mozart, Brahms, Bartók and especially Dvořák. His career was tragically cut short when he drowned off Tel Aviv at age 43.
Recorded in Vienna’s Sofiensaal in March 1961 and released the same year on Decca, Kertész’s New World Symphony with the Vienna Philharmonic highlights the orchestra’s trademark sound—warm strings, glowing brass and characterful winds. He shapes the music with natural climaxes, supple phrasing,and subtle rubato, creating an interpretation that breathes, sings, and captures both the grandeur and lyricism of Dvořák’s vision.
Cut directly from the original analog master tapes, through our unique all valve 1965 Ortofon / Lyrec vinyl cutting system in stereo. No equalisation, compression or any other processing was added during the cutting process.
All sleeve artwork made by hand and authentically letter-pressed on a 1963 Heidelberg SB.
This edition of 300 copies is priced at £395.00 UK pounds. Order here.
ERC sleeve and vinyl disc.
ERC sleeve and disc (inner gatefold).
Original master tapes.
