Smetana: Ma Vlast (My Fatherland) (1954) Talich/Czech

Bedřich Smetana Ma Vlast (My Country) šehrad (The High Castle) (0:07) 2. Vltava (The Moldau) (14:12) 3. Šárka (25:40) 4. Z českých luhů a hájů (From Bohemia’s Woods and Fields) (35:46) 5. Tábor (47:29) 6. Blaník (59:58) Václav Talich, conductor Czech Philharmonic Orchestra Recorded on June10/12/21 and July 2/3, 1954 at The Rudolfinum, Prague Bedřich Smetana composed the six pieces of “Ma Vlast“ between 1874 to 1879; a period in which he was completely deaf. Intended as a work of both patriotic and personal expression, he sought to capture the essence of his country in both realistic and legendary terms. Containing traditional folk themes as well as original music, it is based on both natural splendor and the famous stories from Bohemian history. For Václav Talich “Ma Vlast“ had a highly significant role in his musical career. In 1924 alone he conducted nearly 30 performances of it. It was a work he constantly struggled with; seeking to improve his performances and bring the work as closely as he could to the composer’s intentions. Having first conducted it in 1919, he would perform the work at most key moments of his musical and personal life. The present recording from 1954 is widely regarded as the “reference recording“ for collectors and students alike. One would be hard-pressed to find another with such depth and musical relevance. For the current restoration the effort was to return to sourcing and find the best of the multiple issues that are out there. For this edition we determined that the Supraphon issue from 2006, which was taken directly from the original master tapes, was of the the highest quality. This is as good as it gets with this music in every respect, and we are pleased to offer it in a new 24-bit restoration made with acoustic, historic, and photographic reference sources for maximum accuracy. Digital transfer (2006) SR Studio, Prague Full acoustic restoration (2023): Paul Howard - The Yucaipa Studio We do not monetize on this channel and our posts are commercial free. If you wish to support this kind of music you can buy us a cup of coffee at: