Dvorak's symphonic poems are fascinating works because they offer a perfect combination of colourful orchestration, lively narrative art and deeply rooted Czech folk music tradition.

The poems recorded here, 'The Water Goblin' (1896), 'The Midday Witch' (1896) and 'The Golden Spinning Wheel' (1896), in particular, demonstrate the composer's ability to paint musical pictures and tell stories in a haunting way.

The Sinfonieorchester Basel is one of Switzerland's oldest and most innovative orchestras. With strong roots in northwestern Switzerland and under the direction of British-born Ivor Bolton, it has an impressive nationwide and international reputation.