Slavonic Dances/Bartered Bride

• Label: Magdalen Recordings
• Conductor: Nikolai Malko
• Cat No: METCD8010
• Type: Classical, Orchestral, Magdalen Recordings
• Format: CD

Dvořák composed his first book of Slavonic Dances in 1878, using as a model Brahms’ massively popular Hungarian Dances.

Originally for piano, his publisher Simrock asked the relatively unknown Dvořák to orchestrate them immediately. These dances made Simrock extremely wealthy whereas Dvořák received a pittance for his efforts. By the time of the second set (1886) Dvořák was well established and could demand a proper reward! The composer drew upon dance rhythms from the entire Slavic region of Eastern Europe and these lively and melodious works have always retained their popularity.

Malko’s superb recording was highly praised in its day and has been frequently requested during the CD era. The 1950s were a golden period for the Philharmonia and in the bonus items they play out of their skins for Kubelik in two Bartered Bride dances.