Vltava – Symfonie . 9 e moll Z novho svta – CD

This recording combines Bedich Smetanas Vltava from M vlast with Antonn Dvoks Symphony No. 9 in E minor, From the New World, performed by the Czech Philharmonic and conducted by Karel Anerl. These are two of the most frequently performed and recorded works in Czech music, presented by the orchestra most closely associated with both composers and by the conductor who introduced the Czech Philharmonic to the world. Smetana wrote Vltava less than two months after suddenly losing his hearing, answering speculation that the tragedy might paralyze his future work. The story of a Czech river became a symbol of all things Czech, a hymn celebrating the land and its people and traditions. Dvoks work in America, crowned by the triumph of the New World Symphony, demonstrated the international significance of Czech music, the strength of its tradition and its ability to reflect and help shape musical development worldwide. Smetana stood at the beginning of the phenomenon of Czech music; Dvok made that phenomenon known throughout the world. Karel Anerl, in turn, transformed the Czech Philharmonic into an orchestra of international renown, an authentic and unique representative of Czech music and musicality from New York to Tokyo.