Search - Smetana, Pesek, Royal Liverpool Phil Orch :: Ma Vlast

Solid version of Smetana's work

Steven A. Peterson | Hershey, PA (Born in Kewanee, IL) | 10/18/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This represents Bedrich Smetana's homage to his Czech homeland. Many people are familiar with the second section of this, called "Vltava" in the music, but best known to most people as "The Moldau." This is a good, solid version and most listeners will find it satisfying.



The first section, "Vysehard," opens with dreamily playing harps. This, according to the liner notes, represents a seer's song of Vysehard, from its glory to its ruin. This 14 minute plus work runs from soft and gentle (piano) to tumultuous to elegiac at the close. The closing theme returns to that at the outset of this piece.



There follows the best known portion of this work, "Vlatava" (or "The Moldau"). Almost 12 minutes of dynamic music. This portrays the river, from its origins to its emptying into the Elbe River, as it sweeps over the countryside. It begins gently, as it is only a stream at the outset of its course. As the river grows, the music swells, reflecting, too, the communities and activities along the river's shores as it flows on. The work swells to a crescendo, signifying the river's end as its waters enter the Elbe. Some of the most entertaining 12 minutes in the symphonic repertoire!



Moving to the final of the work's 6 parts--"Blanik." This portion speaks to hope for the future of a battered nation. Over 14 minutes in length. This starts with portentous tones, as heroes of the Czech nation (according to liner notes) who have been defeated retreat to high ground to regroup. The work is forward looking. This piece closes with a spirited march, full of hope for coming years, with a powerful final crescendo.



I'm not sure that one would say that this is the quintessential version of "Ma Vlast." But it is an engaging version and most would find this quite well done indeed.

"

Powerful Performance

Smithers Scribbler | LA, CA, USA | 10/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Very beautiful, empowering, dynamic. Building tension, bright execution, pondering the depths. Quite a great and critically acclaimed recording of Ma vlast. Perhaps the best to date."

Mouldava

HELEN KRATOCHVIL | Canada, of course | 09/07/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Beautifull, you can just close your eyes and see the tiniest stream that starts to flow and as it flows it starts gathering all the streams, creeks... and the volume of the river is swelling as it bubless and plays along the way, as she joins her brothers and sisters on their journey.And when they are all together they stop their playfulness and they all flow together into the capital city: The Majestic River (Vltava)."