Smetana: Ma Vlast (My Homeland)

There are many good performances of Má Vlast, so I am not offering this as the best. But it is good. And it has that special flavor that only a Czech orchestra will bring to the music.

I've recently become quite fond of performances by Semyon Bychkov and his Czech compatriots. Of the recordings by Bychkov to which I've now listened, I've yet to be disappointed by the musicianship. And quite a few, like this one, rise to quite a high level of excellence. I have absolutely no quibbles about the choices he's made in presenting this music. And the playing of the Czech Philharmonic is exceptionally enjoyable, with great ensemble, supple timing, a piquant flavoring, and nice brass (always important to this music).

But Pentatone’s new recording is in a class of its own. I was continually struck by the incredible dynamic range and almost voluptuous orchestral sound. Up to now, Jakub Hrůša’s recording with the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra (Tudor) has offered the best sound (and is also the finest non-Czech Philharmonic performance available). But Pentatone’s work is even finer, and despite the overall excellence of the Bamberg performance, it doesn’t match the level of playing heard here.

I enjoyed this performance of Má Vlast very much indeed, The Czech Philharmonic plays superbly throughout. The musicians must know this music inside out but there’s never any trace of routine. Everything sounds fresh and exciting. I’m sure that Semyon Bychkov has encouraged the orchestra to approach the music as if it were new to them; certainly, he conducts with empathy and conviction.