When Dvořák premiered his Eighth Symphony in 1890 in Prague, the audience witnessed one of the most beautiful symphonies from the high romantic era. This generous and brilliant symphony is not only a truly melodic composition, but also an original contribution to the symphonic repertoire. While in form it is a traditional four-part symphony, Dvořák demonstrates his refreshing manner of writing in every movement.

Also on this CD is an adaptation of Dvořák’s famous American string quartet for woodwinds, recorded by the Royal Flemish Philharmonic Wind Quintet. ‘The string quartet is undoubtedly the purest form of chamber music’, oboist Piet Van Bockstal explains. ‘This is, however, a brilliant transcription for wind quintet. The fresh and vivid sound of the woodwinds brings out the melodic richness of Dvořák’s travels through America.’