Dvořák’s last three symphonies, like Mozart’s, have become an accidental symphonic trilogy, partly because his first four, according to modern numbering have never been accepted into the mainstream symphonic canon, for a variety of reasons, and appear only in complete cycles. Even the beautiful Fifth and Sixth are shamefully neglected in concert halls. 

Gustavo Dudamel has come a long way from the toussled-head young firebrand and conductor of the Simon Bolivár National Youth Orchestra in Venezuela, one of the drivers of its success in transforming the lives of some of the nation’s poorest children, and going on to create a national network of similar ensembles known as El Sistema. 

DG’s recent release of the Seventh, Eighth and the New World in a single issue with the Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra and Gustavo Dudamel is the first I can remember. Although born only in 1981, Dudamel is now almost middle-aged but there’s certainly nothing middle-aged about these performances! Overall, his readings are insightful, sensitive, noble and inspired.

The Seventh Symphony is traditionally (and rightly) been regarded as the darkest and most Brahmsian...