Editorial Reviews

Václav Talich and the Czech Philharmonic's 1954 recording of Smetana's "Má Vlast" may not be the greatest performance of the work ever recorded -- that honor should perhaps go to Talich and the Czech's 1929 or 1941 recording -- but it is probably the last great recording of the work. Why? It's not just because of Talich's magisterial conducting, although he knows every note in the score and articulates every one of them with supreme skill. It's not just because of the Czech Philharmonic's masterful playing, although the players likewise know every note in the score and articulate every one of them with supreme skill. No, what makes Talich and the Czech's 1954 recording so special is that they not only know but also love every note in the score like they love their wives, children, and country; that is, with absolute and unstinting love. This love transforms their performance from the merely technically impeccable to the supremely emotionally inspiring. From the opening harp chords of "Vysehrad" through to the heroic final peroration of "Blanik," Talich and the Czech Philharmonic do everything humanly possible to show their love and it would take an inhuman monster not to respond with grateful love. Although their 1929 recording was arguably stronger and more vital and their 1941 recording was arguably tougher and more affecting, Talich and the Czech's 1954 recording has more heart, more soul, more guts, and far more love than any subsequent recording and those who love "Má Vlast" owe it to themselves to hear this recording. Supraphon's 2006 remastering is no better and no worse than its 1993 digital remastering and anyone who already has that slightly recessed release has no need for this one. For everyone who doesn't have that release, this one is mandatory. James Leonard, All Music Guide

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