Smetana: Má Vlast

Review

The Moldau is the best-known section of {Má Vlast} -- indeed, it has become one of Bedrich Smetana's greatest hits, along with a few popular excerpts from The Bartered Bride -- but the entire cycle of six { one poems} must be heard to appreciate the sweep and grandeur the composer wished to convey in his portrait of the Czech homeland. {Neeme Järvi} and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra deliver an expansive reading of the complete work, and their feeling for the music's vivid imagery and richly Romantic expression is spot on. The DSO conveys the full range of Smetana's fervent nationalism, which runs the gamut from the quiet dignity of Vysehrad to the fiery turbulence of {Sárka}; and the brooding, elegiac, and pastoral moods in {Tábor} and Blanik round out Smetana's glorious tribute to Bohemian life and history. Almost matching Moldau in melodic appeal, energetic rhythms, and orchestral brilliance, From Bohemian Fields and Groves is especially passionate and exciting under {Järvi}'s direction, and this track is a high point of the disc. But the whole performance is marvelously evocative and stirring, and it should be heard in one sitting to get the full impact. Chandos provides fine sound throughout. ~ Blair Sanderson, All Music Guide

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