Review by Semyon Bychkov – Smetana: Mawtani

Vltava as a poetic poem! The river depicted musically by Bedřich Smetana was often softened into a postcard background, making the piece a classic showbiz title. But “Moldau” is also part of a large-scale symphony cycle now recorded by Semyon Bychkov and the Czech Orchestra. A good old tradition: Whoever is the conductor of this orchestra, he cannot avoid “My Homeland.” Bychkov does this intelligently and wisely. He does not throw tried and tested traditions overboard, but models built on knowledge grown carefully and with a keen eye for detail. The result is a comprehensive, compelling recording that never lacks intensity in dramatic moments and displays a chamber-music-like sound in the lyrical passages. “Vltava” is not a poetic poem, but it seems vibrant, dancing and fresh.

Smetana: My homeland

Czech Philharmonic, Simeon Bychkov (conductor)
Pentacles

Czech Philharmonic

A typical feature of an orchestra is its soft sound. Almost all recordings of reference music by Czech composers have been made with the Czech Philharmonic. Since its founding, the Philharmonic has worked with important artists. So Antonin Dvorjak continued to act