Smetana - Orchestral Works Vol.1 | Chandos CHAN10413

Smetana - Orchestral Works Vol.1

£14.49

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Label: Chandos

Cat No: CHAN10413

Format: CD

Number of Discs: 1

Genre: Orchestral

Release Date: 28th August 2007

Contents

About

The three symphonic poems from Smetana’s ‘Swedish period’, Richard III, Wallenstein’s Camp and Hakon Jarl, are now regularly performed in concert halls. However, the remainder of this disc presents lesser known repertoire, mainly composed along Lisztian lines. They demonstrate this nationalistic turn, and include Prague Carnival, one of his most fascinating works. Due to its ‘cacophony’ it was not popular on its initial performances, yet it is in fact one of Smetana’s most imaginative, if challenging scores.
 
Masterfully performed by Noseda and the BBC Philharmonic, these works provide an important introduction to Smetana‘s orchestral output and confirm Smetana’s status as one of the greatest Czech composers of the nineteenth century.
 
Noseda conducts the BBC Philharmonic orchestra in scintillating, compellingly atmospheric, deeply considered and richly coloured performances.” The Sunday Times
 
The orchestra has developed beautifully under Noseda…A superlative performance.” The Independent on Sunday

Reviews

This is simply the finest compilation of Smetana’s colourful symphonic poems ever put on disc. ... apart from Gianandrea Noseda’s splendidly vivid and imaginative performances ... the Chandos disc triumphs by its demonstration-quality, state-of-the-art recording. Not to be missed.
Penguin Guide 2009
Penguin Guide 4 stars Gramophone Editor's Choice Penguin Rosette Winner

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