Dvořák: Poetic Tone Pictures review – brilliant, skittish, fairytale gems brought to light
Dvořák’s collection of miniatures is surprisingly little known. This enchanting new recording reveals a composer fascinated by the small complexities of the world around him
June 2022
Rusalka review – Natalya Romaniw is a rapturously magnificent water nymph
Romaniw unleashes an overwhelming torrent of sound and emotion in a spectacular production that imbues Dvořák’s fairytale with sinister magic
November 2020
Know the score
Dvořák: where to start with his music
The Czech composer found inspiration in the New Worlds of the US, and his music has been to the moon, but it was in his native Bohemia that his heart lay.
February 2020
Västerås Sinfonietta/Crawford-Phillips review – a force of nature
The Swedish orchestra may lack polish but their warm personality shone through in this programme of Mendelssohn, Dvořák, Brahms and Mozart
December 2019
Schiff/Budapest Festival Orchestra/Fischer review – no finer Beethoven playing
Beethoven’s 250th anniversary celebrations began with two perfectly articulated concertos offering exciting new insights
October 2017
Dvořák: Quintets Op 81 & 97 CD review – a breathtaking excursion
Pavel Haas Quartet, Boris Giltburg (piano), Pavel Nikl (viola) (Supraphon)
July 2017
Dvořák/Suk: Piano Quartets CD review – earthy themes of big-hearted beauty
May 2017
On my radar
On my radar: Sarah Perry’s cultural highlights
The author on the painful recollections of Tim Winton, bonding with a town’s memory of Dylan Thomas and one of the best 30 minutes of TV she’s ever seen
March 2017
Dvořák: The Spectre’s Bride CD review – choral music takes a wild nocturnal ride
January 2017
Dvorák: Piano Trios Op 65 & 90 CD review – bursting with energy
Trio Wanderer (Harmonia Mundi)
May 2016
Simple pleasures? – in praise of Dvořák's music
Sometimes dismissed for having little to offer intellectually, the Czech composer’s populism, heart and imagination will instead be celebrated by Mark Elder and the Hallé in this month’s Dvořák festival
April 2016
Rusalka review – Scottish Opera leave fairytale cruelty to lurk below the surface
With Anne Sophie Duprels as the titular water nymph, backed distinctively by Peter Wedd and Willard White, this stylish production of Dvořák’s dark opera avoids the excesses of some interpretations
November 2015
From the Guardian archive
Dvorăk concerto - review
Manchester Guardian, 25 November 1892: Manchester’s music lovers flock to Lady Hallé’s performance of Dvorăk concerto
June 2015
Schulhoff, Dvorák: Česko CD review –an exhilarating Bohemian double bill
The work of Dvorák’s one-time pupil Erwin Schulhoff features on this fine disc from the Ragazzes
March 2015
CBSO/Nelsons review – a dazzling five-star Dvořák
Andris Nelsons handled the vast canvas of the Piano Concerto magnificently, while Stephen Hough made light work of the challenging central part, writes Andrew Clements
November 2014
The Cunning Peasant review – Dvořák’s ‘flimsy’ opera transplanted to Hardy’s Wessex
Stephen Medcalf’s Far from the Madding Crowd take on Dvořák’s folk comedy doesn’t always work, but fine conducting and singing save the day, writes Tim Ashley
October 2014
Hallé/Elder review – Paul Lewis weighs his phrases carefully
Dvorák: Symphony No 6, American Suite Op 96b CD review – warm, subtle, pin-sharp
July 2014
Three Choirs festival: Dvořák's Stabat Mater – surging crescendoes resonated through the cathedral
Geraint Bowen handled the tricky pacing of Dvořák's sombre, yet hopeful masterpiece with discipline and grace, writes Rian Evans
March 2014
In praise of ...
In praise of … the viola
Editorial: It is no coincidence that the viola is favoured by composers: Mozart, Dvorak, Hindemith, Britten, John Cale, Jocelyn Pook