Smetana - Ma Vlast
CD
RRP £11.60 historic list price — see live Amazon pricing below
- Performers
- Pnrso:Wi
- Label
- Naxos Classics
- Barcode
- 0730099593120
Amazon.co.uk Completed in 1878, Smetana's stirringly patriotic Má vlast ("My Country") comprises 6 tone-poems in all, including the much-loved and justly famous "Vltava" (which unforgettably charts the course of that eponymous Czech river). Most performances of Smetana's masterpiece (and there are plenty to choose from) last around 70 minutes, but Antoni Wit's unusually thoughtful interpretation approaches 80. Fortunately, this underrated Polish conductor directs with such likeable character and intelligence (and the orchestral playing in Katowice is so polished and responsive) that one's attention never wavers. True, Wit's imposingly broad "Vltava" may not be to all tastes (the peasant wedding some four-and-a-half minutes in is a rather less boisterous affair than usual), but generally speaking it's refreshing to encounter a Má vlast of such plentiful incident and engaging narrative flair. The sound is pleasingly atmospheric, if a wee bit short on sheer body and tonal lustre. So, if your budget won't extend to full price (where Rafael Kubelík's magnificent 1984 Orfeo account with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra continues to occupy a very special place of honour), Wit's notably individual version certainly offers striking value for money. --Andrew Achenbach Product Description Bedrich Smetana (1824 - 1884)Má Vlast / My Country / Mein Vateriand / Ma PatrieI. VysehradLento - Largo maestoso - Grandloso poco largamente Allegro vivo me non agitato - Lento me non troppoII. Vl
This recording is part of the ClassicalMusicStore.co.uk heritage catalogue. The store is no longer trading, but you can find this title — and thousands of other classical and jazz recordings — at a specialist retailer.
Details
- Shrink-wrapped
Amazon price history
Live new & used price history (last 2 years) via Keepa.