Chris Mullins rightly draws our attention to Dvorak's earlier symphony no.3. >The second half of the program was given to a Dvorak Symphony. "Number >9," you ask? No. "Oh, then, 7." No. "So it was 8." No. >This is why I bought a ticket. It was Symphony 3. I can't think of any >other mostly unplayed symphony with more memorable themes. I could feel >half the audience sit up as the first tune sang out within moments of >the symphony's start. Such delight. I once commented in the past that there is delightful music in these earlier symphonies and that Dvorak's symphonies did not commence with no. 7. Symphony No. 3 mentioned by Chris is influenced by Wagner. I especially draw your attention to the incredible middle section of the Adagio (2nd movement) where a heavenly march develops. Symphonies 4-6 are also delightful. I would suggest purchasing the complete set of Dvorak's symphonies with Kubelik/BPO (the performance of no. 6 has been especially praised). David Rothstein Israel