Search - Bedrich Smetana :: Smetana: Má Vlast

Glorious "Ma Vlast"

Sungu Okan | Istanbul, Istanbul Turkey | 11/26/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rafael Kubelik is one of the most succesful interpreter of Smetana in the whole history. Kubelik and his Wiener Philharmoniker plays with emotion, somewhere very romantic and drammatic, but somewhere glorious, "maestoso". The recording date from 1958 but sound quality s very good and stereo. This recording is a must have.



Smetana's symphonic poem cycle "Ma Vlast" (My Fatherland) based on six movements which, the second is ever-famous "Moldau". This cycle (as in name) tells about Czechoslovakia's historic lands and legends. As you know, Moldau is the famous river.

The other movements are:

1. Vysherad is the castle which protect the capital Prague in 13th century.



3. Sarka is the woman-hero who was lived in 13th century. She was fighted with Frenchs and but their general was fall in love to Sarka. So, she (with her charm) was deceived and then she invited the some of Frenchs for drink wine. Then, all of them (except Sarka) gets drunk and Sarka, secretly was added a poison which make them sleepy. So, all of them sleeps, and then Sarka calls her Czech army with her horn. And gradullay they comes, and all of them kills Frenchs (with their general), while they're sleeping!



5. Tabor is the army of the country and then 6. Blanik is the contiuation of Tabor. Blanik is the mountain which, the army's shelter, while they're waiting the "war alarm". But, this movement ends with a triumphal finale, which includes the main "Vysherad" and "God's Warriors" chorale. This work is very succesful example of patriotic music and it is to affect nationalism.



This is an essential recording and a must have for any classical music lovers. Highly recommended.



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