An outstanding mid-price issue which can be strongly recommended. Both recordings date from the late 1970s and have been very successfully remastered. The Amsterdam acoustics can sometimes bring an emphasis in the lower range but the digital 'freshening' has brought a nice overall balance with clean detail, only very slight 'thinning' of the violins and the ambient glow remaining overall, the wind clear yet warmly coloured.
Sir Colin Davis has the right lyrical feel for Dvorak, his allegros are zestful and his directness is an asset when the resilient playing of the great Dutch orchestra brings absolutely no feeling of inflexibility. Both slow movements are admirably paced and eloquent—there is drama and power too, but not a hint of melodrama. The famous Scherzo of No. 7 is exuberant; the Allegretto of No. 8 is engagingly relaxed (some delicious articulation from the violins) and its grazioso marking is deftly characterized. Splendid trumpets then announce a finale full of character and flair. In all two highly satisfying performances superbly played and given sound that should please most ears.'