This recording of Dvořák’s Seventh Symphony documents a concert given in March 1981 in the Herkulessaal of the Munich Residenz with Bernard Haitink conducting the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. The Scherzo capriccioso is a studio recording, also from March 1981.

Following the success of Antonín Dvořák’s first visit to London in 1884, the London Philharmonic Society asked him to return the following year and to compose a new symphony for the occasion. It was an honourable request – after all, the Society had commissioned Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony six decades earlier! The world premiere of the Seventh Symphony took place on 22 April 1885 in London, with the composer conducting. It became one of Dvořák’s greatest successes.

Dvořák’s Scherzo capriccioso of 1883 is certainly more than just a filler on this album. Its dramatic and passionate character – contrary to what its playful title suggests – is probably due to the fact that it was written during a crisis in the composer’s life. The piece is a testament to impressive craftsmanship, developed both formally and thematically with great musical ingenuity and dance-like verve.