Smetana: M Vlast

by

Bedřich Smetana

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This CD preserves a remarkable concert that marked the return of Rafael Kubelik to Czechoslovakia after an absence of 41 years. The conductor was in ill health, and had been some time. In fact, just after he returned to his native land in 1989, Maestro Kubelik fell seriously ill and it seemed that would die. But he miraculously recovered and conducted this concert on May 12, 1990.

Ma Vlast is a work that was very dear to Maestro Kubelik, and one he conducted and recorded it on many occasions. This recording is certainly among the best. From beginning to end there is a sense of occasion, a true celebration of the patriotism that lies behind the music Smetena wrote. There is a passion to the playing by the Czech Philharmonic that truly brings out the poetry and fire in this music, to say nothing of the emotion underlying this performance. The audience is incredibly silent during the performance, as if stunned into silence. The only applause comes at the end of Blanik.

So, even if you already have a recording of Ma Vlast, this one should also be in your collection. The notes accompanying the CD have to do with this concert and do not give any background information about the music.