Symphony No. 8 by Dvořák reviewed by Nigel Simeone 15th March 2025

Dvořák’s lyrical 8th Symphony, infused with the spirit of Bohemian folk music, was written between August and November 1889 and first performed on 2 Feb 1890 to mark Dvořák’s admission to the Czech Academy of Arts and Sciences. It has a very original symphonic structure, appearing to be in the usual four movements, but Dvořák said he wanted to handle themes in a ‘different way’ in this piece.
First choice:
Prague Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras (conductor)
Supraphon SU38482