Antal Dorati - Smetana: Ma vlast / Dvorak: In Natures Realm Overture (2011)

Smetanas Má vlast (My Country), his magnificent cycle of six symphonic poems, embodies both Czech nationhood and the countrys legendary history and was written when he was at the height of his creative powers. The cycle is lyrical, warm-hearted and dramatic with its exciting tales of heroic warriors, visions of the wide open Bohemian countryside, and the surging river Vitava that runs through it. The sweeping romantic melodies and the splendour of the triumphant brass are full of passionate patriotic feelings. The accompanying work on this 2-CD set also celebrates the Czech countryside: Dvoráks overture In Natures Realm. This picturesque evocation of the composers home in the spruce forests of Bohemia is part of a trilogy, its closing epilogue featuring a chorale-like motif based on a Czech hymn. These performances, recorded in 1986, are by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, led by the distinguished conductor Antal Doráti. The recording has all the familiar warm ambience of the Concertgebouw Hall, with playing that is brisk and alert. (Gramophone, December 1987)