Scottish National Orchestra, Neeme Järvi - Dvořák: Symphony No. 5, The Water Goblin (1987)

The Scottish National Orchestra with Neeme Jarvi has traversed the entire Dvorak symphonic oeuvre with wonderful success. Jarvi brings a sense of live and vitality to each symphony and the orchestra responds wonderfully. Jarvi's rendition of the 5th is, at least in my opinion, the most convincing in the series. The playing is spectacular; the Scottish National Orchestra brings a beauty of phrasing that complements this symphony well. Of equal power and beauty is the Water Goblin, which Jarvi undoubtedly champions. This is a wonderful CD. Still, Istvan Kertez's cycle with the London Symphony Orchestra or Kubelik with the Berlin Philharmonic both offer a stronger, more incisive reading to the work. However, this CD is still highly recommended.