SMETANA: Má Vlast
The dark story of Šárka, Bohemia’s woods and fields, a strong-willed warrior, Tábor, and the victorious finale, Blaník, complete this work, superbly played with matchless understanding and character.
The Observer, 3 March 2024
Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
Semyon Bychkov, conductor
SMETANA’S MA VLAST ON PENTATONE
On Friday 1st March, Semyon Bychkov and the Czech Philharmonic marked Bedřich Smetana’s bicentenary (2nd March 1824) with the release of Má vlast, released by PENTATONE. The recording of Má vlast is the Czech Philharmonic’s first release in 2024’s Year of Czech Music, a major celebration of Czech music celebrated across the Czech Republic every 10 years since Smetana’s centenary in 1924. As Bychkov says: Má vlast is a very special animal to the Czech people. It is like a national anthem or the Holy Bible because it is associated with their need for independence and national survival so, it is very close to the heart of many people in this country.
TRACK LISTING
Smetana: Má Vlast
I Vyšehrad (The High Castle)
II Vlatava (The Moldau)
III Šárka
IV Z českých luhů a hájů (From Bohemia’s Woods and Fields)
V Tábor
VI Blaník