Search - Bedrich Smetana :: Smetana: Má Vlast

Rare Classic in Top Form

T. Schmalz | New Jersey | 06/18/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This particular recording of Bedrich Smetana's "Ma Vlast" was performed by the Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam under the direction of Antal Dorati in 1956. Given the technological limitations of the era, this recording is outstanding! I compared this recording to several other produced in the mid-fifties from RCA, EMI, and Deutsche Grammophon, and this one is by far the greatest accomplishment over sound. Ther performances are naturally Czech-sounded with that lovely Slavic flare to them. The 2003 edition of the Penguin Guide to Classical Recordings believes that Dorati pushes Die Moldau too hardly, but I could not detect anything that would alter my high opinion of this recording. My only reservation is that, due to the technology of the time, the brass and percussion sections are not brought out as well as they are in more modern interpretations; however, that minor detail does not negate the sheer brilliance of this recording and the musical insight that is provided to the listener. Fantastic altogether and enthusiastically recommended."