New Arrival M vlast. Cyklus symfonickch bsn – CD

Bedich Smetanas cycle of symphonic poems My Country was recorded live at the opening concert of the 2010 Prague Spring International Music Festival by the Prague Philharmonia under conductor Jakub Hra. Supraphon last recorded My Country in the euphoric year 1990, the first year of freedom, when Rafael Kubelk, aged 76 and returning from exile, stood before the Czech Philharmonic at the festivals opening concert. Exactly 20 years later, the festival entrusted this honour to the 28-year-old Jakub Hra, who became, alongside Vclav Neumann, the youngest conductor in the festivals history to open the event. While respecting the long-established performance tradition, Hra focused on a careful and considered reading of the score. The energy, musical integrity and commitment of the Prague Philharmonia produced an exceptional and inspired recording of this symbol of Czech music. The smaller ensemble creates an unusually transparent sound for the delicate passages, while the dramatic intensity of rka sounds surprisingly powerful. The recording presents Smetanas My Country as if heard for the first time.