Dvorák: Symphony No. 9 ; Tchaikovsky: Romeo and Juliet (2003)

"Yakov Kreizberg conducts really fine performances of these two repertoire favorites. Although the New World Symphony gets relatively traditional treatment (big slow-down for the first movements second subject, for example), its within a general framework of exciting tempos, characterful phrasing, and very good playing from the Netherlands Philharmonic. The Largo is beautifully poised, and note how Kreizberg doesnt overplay the big climax, making the brass obey Dvoráks careful dynamic markings and demonstrating impressive understanding of this passages context. The scherzo has rhythmic energy aplenty, the central trio is not too slow, and the finale, if slightly heavier-footed than the rest of the symphony, comes to an imposing conclusion, with the final cyclical combination of themes ground out like a soul in pain. Its a potent reminder of the fact that the ending is, at the very least, emotionally ambivalent". (...) David Hurwitz, classicstoday.com)