Václav Talich, Czech Philharmonic - Special Edition Vol. 6: Smetana - My Country (2006)

It's wonderful hearing this performance again in bright, clean, well-remastered sound. Unlike some other releases in this series, the treble frequencies aren't too astringent, and the bass is rich and full. In loud sections there's a slight "blurr" or sonic halo around the brass, but it's not bothersome. In any case, the performance is magnificent. Has anyone managed the end of Šárka with comparable ferocity and such well judged tempo relationships, or presented the ending of Vltava with such majesty and grandeur? It's always a joy to hear the Czech Philharmonic in this music, but in From Bohemia's Fields and Groves as well as Tábor and Blanik, you get the sense that the musicians are playing with an added level of concentration and conviction. There's never a dull or inexpressive moment. Here's the bottom line: everyone agrees that this interpretation is a classic, and it now sounds more vivid than ever.