Dvorak: Symphonies Nos. 7 & 8;

Antal Dorati's performances of these two symphonies are so different from each other that it sounds like a completely different orchestra and conductor. The Seventh is a brooding, dark interpretation with magisterial tempos and a thick, Brahmsian orchestra sonority. The Eighth is just the opposite: bright, snappy, and razor-sharp. They make a fascinating contrast, and while this may not be the prime recommendation for this coupling (Szell/Cleveland or Kubelík/Berlin are safer, and throw in the Ninth Symphony as well), it's certainly one with a great deal of character. --David Hurwitz