The great 19th-century violinist Joseph Joachim connects Dvořák’s Violin Concerto to that of Brahms – Joachim provided invaluable counsel to both composers in these works. Dvořák’s Czech spirit is given extra weight through his friend Brahms’ influence, with Classical stature meeting eloquent Slavonic vitality to create a splendid masterpiece, performed here by Ruggiero Ricci in this acclaimed recording. The Piano Concerto is characteristic of the younger Dvořák. It was long championed by soloist Rudolf Firkušný, whose reputation for cultured musicianship over extrovert virtuosity suited the work perfectly. This classic Vox recording remains one of the finest versions of the Piano Concerto available, played by the work’s greatest advocate.