Smetana: Ma Vlast - Complete Orchestral Works

Smetana's predilection for anything Bohemian shines through not just in his music but also particularly in the subjects of his symphonic poems and opera. A keen dancer himself, his music often echoes his native dance tunes as well.

The composer also had a keen interest in the theatre. Hence the subjects of his early symphonic poems which were based on works by Shakespeare, Schiller and Oehlenschläger. Of his later symphonic poems the series `Má Vlast', especially `Vltava'(the Moldau) is very well-known.

Of course no orchestra but the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Theodore Kuchar could play this music better: this is the genuine article. On these three CD's one can hear the ultimate performances of this most pleasant and vivacious music.