This fabulous-sounding performance of Dvorák"s delicious Slavonic Dances is probably the finest version to come from an American orchestra since George Szell"s fabled Cleveland recordings on Sony. Under Levi, the Atlantans have achieved a remarkable degree of polish and elegance--a truly burnished, central-European sound. Every one of these toe-tapping little gems features countless examples of superb string ensemble, soulful instrumental solos (from trumpets and oboe, especially), and an exciting, flexible rhythmic lift. Levi sets ideal tempos just about everywhere, but he isn"t afraid really to let go when the music takes off in one of those typical "acceleration" endings--Op. 72, No. 7, for instance. In short, this disc is simply a joy from start to finish. You"ll love it. --David Hurwitz