I first purchased this
version of the Violin Concerto and Romance
on a mono Supraphon vinyl disc back
in the early 1960s when I was at University.
I was completely bowled over by the
freshness and vivacity of the playing,
as well as the rustic nature of the
woodwind, and not so impressed by the
gritty surfaces of the disc about which
not much could be done.
When it at last reached
CD, I purchased it and was delighted
to find that the surfaces had quietened
significantly, but that the recording
had taken on a raucous tone which, whilst
it could be tamed by judicious filtering,
was rather put out of court when compared
with other versions. Supraphon has now
remastered the Concerto and Romance,
and has added the Suk Fantasia. What
makes this disc an absolutely essential
purchase is the remastering through
which Supraphon has managed to improve
the sound quality above all expectations.
Gone is
the raucous sound, thus allowing us
to enjoy the mastery of Dvořák’s
grandson-in-law, and the accompaniment
of the Czech Philharmonic inspired by
its conductor Karel Ančerl.
Ančerl
took over the Czech Philharmonic in
1950, in rather strange circumstances.
His was a political, rather that a musical
appointment. It was done without the
agreement of the orchestra, which no
doubt caused the young conductor some
considerable difficulties. These were
soon overcome, and the Czech Philharmonic
became, under Ančerl’s
leadership, one of the finest of the
aristocratic European orchestras. Together
they recorded a wide repertoire and
Supraphon has left us in their debt
by planning the release of the whole
of their Ančerl recordings on a
series of 42 CDs many of which
are now available. Others remain to
be released. All have been or are to
be remastered. As a memorial of Ančerl’s
work they form a wonderful tribute to
one of the finest of Eastern European
conductors.
Making up the rest
of the disc is Joseph Suk’s memorable
performance of his father’s Fantasia
in G minor for violin and orchestra.
This is an equally arresting performance
as the Concerto. In the latter work,
the opening is just as dramatic a start
as any in the catalogue, preparing us
for a performance, which combines drama
and delicacy balanced perfectly by soloist
and orchestra alike. In this performance,
the then characteristic tone of the
Czech woodwind instruments matched with
the superb string section sounds absolutely
right. Ančerl’s
ability to conjure up the necessary
rustic atmosphere to point up the soloist’s
superb rendition is also a vital contribution
to the proceedings. The slow movement
is a study in tenderness and both soloist
and conductor are in complete accord
with the composer’s inspiration.
The energy of the finale has to be heard
to be believed. These are competitive
performances; eat your hearts out. Throughout,
the wonderful acoustic of the Rudolfinum,
enhances the performances, making listening
an absolute joy.
Suk’s technique cannot
be faulted and I cannot imagine anyone
not being totally bowled over by this
performance. Dvořák’s
Violin Concerto is not generally reckoned
to be as good as the major violin concerti
by other composers. In this performance
Dvořák need fear no competition.
Well done Supraphon
– you have a winner here, and what should
be a well deserved best-seller.
John Phillips
Josef Suk (violin) 
