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Smetana: Ma Vlast / Pesek, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra

Smetana / Czech Philharmonic Orch; Libor Pesek
Release Date: 06/14/2011 
Label:  Musical Concepts   Catalog #: 1099   Spars Code: DDD 
Composer:  Bedrich Smetana
Conductor:  Libor Pesek
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
Number of Discs: 1 
Recorded in: Stereo 
In Stock: Usually ships in 24 hours.  

Notes and Editorial Reviews

A stunningly well-recorded disc of Bedrich Smetana's six symphonic poems dedicated to "ma vlast" (my country/homeland). These stirring patriotic and nationalistic works depict the history and culture of Bohemia. Presented by the Czech Philharmonic and Libor Pesek, a foremost champion of Czech composers.

“Recorded triumphantly at the 50th Prague Spring Festival. Of Pesek’s previous recording, Penguin Guide wrote “captures the epic patriotic feeling... richly romantic... gripping melodrama... vivid characterization” “this, with the distinctive colours of the national orchestra - particularly those earthy Czech woodwinds - is definitely closer to home. Here, then, the song of the bard Lumir in the great hall of Read more Vysehrad. And it's those harps again...” -- Edward Seckerson BBC Radio 3
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Works on This Recording

1.
Má vlast by Bedrich Smetana
Conductor:  Libor Pesek
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
Period: Romantic 
Written: 1874; Czech Republic 

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Review:  ( 1 Customer Review )
 lacking vivacity March 19, 2015 By owen  ryan (lakewood, CA) See All My Reviews "Based on the conductor, orchestra and BBC's review I expected this to be an exciting recording but I found it to be rather restrained. It seems to me that Pesek strives for nobility over drama; that dramatic Czech Nationalism just did not come thru. Other than this nebulous, perhaps undefineable, quality I can not fault the performance. Maybe it's just me. As a check (no pun intended) against my impression I compared this disc to DG's budget Galleria issue with Kubelik/Boston SO and to the out of print Amadis (Naxos super budget label) issue with Reinhard Seifreid/Slovak State Phil. Both of these recordings have that exciting Czech Nationalism which makes you want to get up and jump around at times-- not that they lack those moments of luciously restrained beauty Pesek features so prominently. So, I guess it all comes down to a matter of preference ( refinement vs. melodrama)." Report Abuse
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