London Symphony Orchestra & Sir Colin Davis - Smetana: Má vlast (My Fatherland) (2005/2018) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

Inspired by the mythology and pastoral beauty of his Czech homeland, Smetana's six tone poems that form Má vlast (My Fatherland) is one of the best examples of Nationalism in music. The stirring second movement depicts the river Vltava as it flows through the countryside and into Prague. Struck with deafness in 1874, Smetana would never hear a performance of what would become his most popular work.

"Colin Davis and the LSO turn in a vivid, exciting account of Smetana's perennially fresh, dramatic cycle of tone poems … the best performances of this work must convey a sense of occasion, of a big event taking place … Davis and the LSO have managed to capture this elusive quality" (ClassicsToday)

"Colin Davis has an affinity with Czech music that is every bit as strong as his better-known sympathy with Berlioz or Mozart … a performance that welds the six portraits into a convincing whole. The LSO plays with warmth and grandeur and the recorded balance is one of the most successful in this series" (Daily Telegraph)

"The LSO Live label goes from strength to strength … Smetana's cycle of six tone poems reflecting the mythology and pastoral beauty of his Czech homeland is a given a a vivid and richly rewarding performance that delights the ear as uch as the heart. More luxuriant orchestral sound and refined ensemble playing …" (Classic FM Magazine)

"there can be no mistaking the conviction that he brings to the cycle … Davis never loses sight of the outcome - the main motifs coalescing into an apotheosis both uninhibited and triumphant" (International Record Review)

Tracklist:
1. Má vlast: I. Vyšehrad 15:01
2. Má vlast: II. Vltava 12:37
3. Má vlast: III. Šárka 10:11
4. Má vlast: IV. Z českých luhů a hájů 12:09
5. Má vlast: V. Tábor 11:27
6. Má vlast: VI. Blaník 13:47

Personnel:
London Symphony Orchestra
Sir Colin Davis, conductor