WDR Sinfonieorchester - Dvořák: Legends Op. 59, Czech Suite Op. 39 (2022)

Linn is thrilled to commence a new collaboration with one of the most renowned orchestras in Germany, Cologne based WDR Sinfonieorchester, with the fast-rising star of the conducting world, Cristian Măcelaru, at the helm.
In this first album, the all Dvořák programme includes the composer’s Legends, Op. 59 and the Czech Suite in D major, Op. 39. Initially written for piano four-hands – a highly profitable market in those days – the rather contemplative Legends were shortly later orchestrated for relatively small forces by Dvořák. Though not carrying a specific story, the ten Legends have somewhat an epic character as if they fused in one continuous narrative.
The dance based Czech Suite epitomizes Dvořák’s unrivaled folk suffused writing. The four-movement work ends with a superb Furiant, which brings the album to a close.

Tracklist
1. Legends, Op. 59, B. 122: I. Allegretto non troppo, quasi andantino (3:43)
2. Legends, Op. 59, B. 122: II. Molto moderato (4:43)
3. Legends, Op. 59, B. 122: III. Allegro giusto (3:46)
4. Legends, Op. 59, B. 122: IV. Molto maestoso (6:04)
5. Legends, Op. 59, B. 122: V. Allegro giusto (5:37)
6. Legends, Op. 59, B. 122: VI. Allegro con moto (5:47)
7. Legends, Op. 59, B. 122: VII. Allegretto grazioso (3:29)
8. Legends, Op. 59, B. 122: VIII. Un poco allegretto e grazioso (3:51)
9. Legends, Op. 59, B. 122: IX. Andante con moto (2:35)
10. Legends, Op. 59, B. 122: X. Andante (5:06)
11. Czech Suite in D Major, Op. 39, B. 93: I. Preludium. Pastorale (Allegro moderato) (3:52)
12. Czech Suite in D Major, Op. 39, B. 93: II. Polka (Allegretto grazioso) (4:39)
13. Czech Suite in D Major, Op. 39, B. 93: III. Sousedská. Minuetto (Allegro giusto) (5:06)
14. Czech Suite in D Major, Op. 39, B. 93: IV. Romance (Andante con moto) (4:46)
15. Czech Suite in D Major, Op. 39, B. 93: V. Finale. Furiant (Presto) (5:39)